Apparatus having electric-field actuated generator for powering electrical load within vicinity of powerlines

ABSTRACT

An apparatus in which electric power is generated for an electrical load from differentials in electric field strengths within a vicinity of powerlines includes: a plurality of electrodes separated and electrically insulated from one another for enabling differentials in voltage resulting from differentials in electric field strength experienced there at; and electrical components electrically connected therewith and configurable to establish one or more electric circuits whereby voltage differentials cause a current to flow through the established electric circuit for powering the electrical load. Preferably, the apparatus includes a control assembly having one or more voltage-detector components configured to detect relative voltages of the electrodes; and a processor enabled to configure—based on the detected voltages and based on voltage and electric current specifications for powering the electrical load—one or more of the electrical components to establish an electric circuit for powering the electrical load.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of, and claims priority under35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/164,626,incorporated herein by reference, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,391,867, incorporated herein by reference, which '626 application isa continuation of, and claims priority under § 120 to, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/162,681, incorporated herein by reference, which'681 application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority under§ 120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/136,226, incorporatedherein by reference, which '226 application is a continuation-in-partof, and claims priority under § 120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/134,909, incorporated herein by reference. Each of the presentapplication, the '681 application, the '226 application, and the '909application is a nonprovisional application of, and claims priorityunder 35 U. S.C. § 119(e) to, each of the following provisional U.S.patent applications: 62/682,841; 62/682,842; 62/682,843; 62/682,845;62/682,846; and 62/682,931. Each of the foregoing provisional U.S.patent applications is incorporated herein by reference. Any patentapplication publication of any of the foregoing and any patent issuingdirectly from any of the foregoing—including any provisional applicationthat may be converted to a nonprovisional application—is incorporatedherein by reference.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

Any new and original work of authorship in this document is subject tocopyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States andother countries. Reproduction by anyone of this document as it appearsin official governmental records is permitted, but otherwise all othercopyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to apparatus and methods forelectrically powering objects. In this regard, an object preferablycomprises an electrical load (also sometimes referred to as an electricload) that is directly powered by such apparatus and methods. Suchobject may be, by way of example and not limitation, a sensor, atransceiver, an electric motor, a device, an instrument, a piece ofequipment, and a system or part of a system. Alternatively, the objectcomprises an energy-storing system that is charged by such apparatus andmethods, wherein the electrical load is powered by the energy-storingsystem, in which scenario the electrical load is indirectly powered bysuch apparatus and methods. Such energy-storing system may comprise acircuit that includes a battery.

Such apparatus may be a device or may be part of a device andhereinafter such apparatus is generally referred to herein as an“electric-field actuated generator” or “EFA” generator. The EFAgenerator is intended to be used within an environment havinginhomogeneous electric fields, wherein differentials in electric fieldstrengths are sufficiently great so as to power the intended object withthe EFA generator. In preferred embodiments, the environment comprises avicinity of powerlines, and especially a vicinity of three-phasealternating current powerlines, such as those used by electric andutility companies for electric power transmission. At least in theUnited States, such powerlines usually are three-phase AC and typicallyhave voltages of between 69 kV and 765 kV, including 69 kV, 110 kV, 115kV, 138 kV, 230 kV, 345 kV, 500 kV, and 765 kV.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Using high-voltage power transmission lines to power an unmannedair/aerial vehicle or drone (hereinafter generally referred to as a“UAV”) is known and disclosed, for example, in U.S. patent applicationpublication 2017/0015414 (hereinafter “Chen”), insofar as Chen disclosesthat power can be supplied to a UAV from a powerline, through aninterface, to an energy storage system of the UAV for repowering of theenergy storage system of the UAV.

In this respect, Chen broadly discloses that this can be done by one ofcapacitive power transfer and inductive power transfer. Chenspecifically recognizes that a UAV is commonly configured with a baseand one or a set of rotors to provide lift and thrust for propulsion,wherein the rotors are driven by a propulsion system having an electricmotor driven by an energy storage system comprising a battery. Chenacknowledges that in such known arrangements the range and usefulness ofthe UAV are limited by the amount of energy available from the battery.Chen further notes that electric power is transmitted through a vastnetwork of utility transmission systems across the country, includingalternating current (AC) powerlines (e.g., utility transmission lines)supported by structures (e.g., towers), and Chen recognizes that thesepowerlines represent an available power source for apparatus that can beconfigured to access them.

The innovations in Chen are based on the use of such known utilitytransmission systems to enhance the range and utility of such UAVs, aswell as for providing flyways or routes for such UAVs. The range isenhanced, according to Chen, by using power supplied from utilitytransmission systems through an interface to an energy storage system ofthe UAV. As explicitly stated by Chen, “the inventions generally relateto improvements to methods and systems for repowering unmanned aircraftand to improvements to unmanned aircraft and for unmanned aircraftsystems and methods” (emphasis added).

Fairly characterized, Chen discloses that the transfer of energy maycomprise transferring energy from an electric field to the UAV, and thatthe powerline produces an electric field and the aircraft is configuredto extract power for repowering of the energy storage system using theelectric field of the powerline; however, Chen is replete withspeculation regarding how this might be done and is short on technicaldetail, instead taking a broad-brush approach in the writtendescription.

Consequently, it is believed that a significant shortcoming of Chen is afailure to recognize and appreciate electric field strengths andinteractions within the vicinity of powerlines. Indeed, electric fieldtopography in the vicinity of powerlines is complex and depends on anumber of factors, including the number of conducting lines and theirarrangement.

For example, an exemplary powerline transmission tower 100 is seen inFIG. 1 and includes three conducting lines 102,104,106 each out of phasewith the others, and two shield wires 108,110.

Another exemplary tower 100 a that typically is found in powertransmission systems is illustrated in FIG. 2 and, like tower 100,includes conducting lines 102,104,106 and shield lines 108,110. FIG. 3shows yet another exemplary tower 100 b. Unlike towers 100 and 100 a,tower 100 b includes six conducting lines comprising conducting lines102 a,104 a; conducting lines 102 b,104 b; and conducting lines 102c,104 c. Tower 100 b also includes shield lines 108,110.

For use with preferred embodiments of the invention, the voltage of thepowerlines of the exemplary towers preferably is 345 kV, 500 kV, or 765kV, and the powerlines preferably are three-phase AC.

Electric field strengths within the vicinity of the powerlines of theexemplary towers are complex. For example, the electric fields of thepowerlines of FIG. 1 are modeled in FIG. 4 . It will be appreciated thatthe highest electric field strengths exist in the immediatelysurrounding area 112 of the conducting lines 102,104,106, and that thelowest electric field strengths exist in the furthest surrounding area120, with intermediate field strengths existing in nested areas114,116,118. Moreover, with reference to FIG. 4 , “vicinity” ofpowerlines as used herein means, for a 500 kV 3 phase AC transmissionline, within an area of powerlines extending thirty (30) meters toeither side of the center line and upwards from ground of thirty-five(35) meters so as to encompass areas 112,114,116,118. An alternativedefinition used herein is the area around powerlines in which the logbase 10 of the electric field in volts per meter is equal to or greaterthan two.

It will be appreciated from examination of the modeling seen in FIG. 4that there exist great electric field differentials within the vicinityof powerlines. Indeed, FIG. 4 shows that the electric field strengthsare around one hundred times greater in areas 112 (up to around 5 on thechart of FIG. 4 ) than in the outer fringes of area 118 (down to around3 on the chart of FIG. 4 ), i.e., the difference between about onehundred thousand kilovolts per meter (100 kV) and one thousand volts permeter (1 kV).

To further illustrates this point, additional exemplary electric fieldstrengths within a vicinity of powerlines also are modeled in FIG. 5 .The area of the modeling in FIG. 5 encompasses thirty (30) meters toeither side of a center line and upwards from ground of about (14)meters. Each of the fourteen red lines representing the root mean squarevalue/magnitude of the x-component of the electric field is modeled atbetween one (1) meter and fifteen (15) meters from ground, with thedifference between successive red lines representing one (1) meter inheight. Similarly, each of the fourteen blue lines representing the rootmean square value/magnitude of the y-component of the electric field ismodeled at between one (1) meter and fifteen (15) meters from ground,with the difference between successive blue lines representing one (1)meter in height; and each of the fourteen purple lines representing theroot mean square value/magnitude of the combined electric field ismodeled at between one (1) meter and fifteen (15) meters from ground,with the difference between successive purple lines representing one (1)meter in height.

It will be appreciated from examination of the modeling seen in FIG. 5that not only do there exist great electric field differentials, butthat there also exist local maximums and minimums in electric fieldstrengths, such that increasing the distance between any given twopoints does not necessarily increase the electric field differentialbetween the two points. For instance, two points located a certaindistance apart may have no electric field differential, but each pointmay have significant electric field differentials with respect tointermediate points located there between.

Additionally, while not the same topography, each of the electric fieldtopographies found with tower 100 a and tower 100 b is similarlycomplex.

Accordingly, it is believed that embodiments of the invention representtechnological improvements neither disclosed nor rendered obvious byChen, as one or more embodiments rely upon electric field differentialsunrecognized in and unappreciated by Chen. For example, one or moreembodiments are believed to enable, inter alia, UAVs to make better useof electric fields within the vicinity of transmission powerlines to theextent that not only can the conventional, rechargeable energy sourcesof the UAVs be repowered, but actual flight along transmissionpowerlines can be realized in UAVs without reliance on any energystorage system. Moreover, it is believed that such technologicalimprovements represent a new type of power source for generatingelectrical energy by harnessing electric fields, and that such new typeof power source can be used in replacement of or in combination withconventional power sources when powering objects within high voltageelectric fields.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while manyaspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context ofUAVs operating within a vicinity of high-voltage three-phase ACpowerlines, such as those used by electric power utility companies andtransmission owning and/or operating companies in the United States, theinvention is not limited to use only in such context, as will becomeapparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions ofaspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the invention. Indeed,the invention has applicability for use with other types of powerlinesas may be found in certain areas of the United States and in other areasof the world.

Accordingly, an aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus in whichelectric power is generated from differentials in electric fieldstrength, preferably within a vicinity of powerlines. The apparatuscomprises: (a) a first electrode having at least two overall substantialdimensions, a first of which is at least 80% of at least one of anoverall heightwise extent, an overall lengthwise extent, and an overallwidthwise extent of the apparatus, and a second of which is at least 80%of at least one of the overall heightwise extent, the overall lengthwiseextent, and the overall widthwise extent of the apparatus; and (b) asecond electrode having at least two overall substantial dimensions, afirst of which is at least 80% of at least one of the overall heightwiseextent, the overall lengthwise extent, and the overall widthwise extentof the apparatus, and a second of which is at least 80% of at least oneof the overall heightwise extent, the overall lengthwise extent, and theoverall widthwise extent of the apparatus. The first and secondelectrodes are separated and electrically insulated from each other forenabling a differential in voltage at the first and second electrodesresulting from a differential in electric field strength experienced atthe first and second electrodes when within the vicinity of thepowerlines. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises electrical componentselectrically connected with the first and second electrodes thatestablish an electric circuit, with the differential in voltage betweenthe first and second electrodes causing a current to flow through thecircuit for powering an electrical load of the electric circuit.

The “electrical load of the electric circuit” may be, by way of exampleand not limitation, a sensor, a transceiver, or an electric motor, whichmay or may not be part of the apparatus. Alternatively, the “electricalload of the electric circuit” may be an energy-storing system that ischarged by the electric circuit, which may or may not be part of theapparatus, wherein the energy-storage system in turn powers, forexample, a sensor, a transceiver, or an electric motor, which may or maynot be part of the apparatus. The energy-storage system may comprise arechargeable battery.

In a feature of this aspect, the electrical components comprise aplurality of electric-field shielded capacitors configurable indifferent arrangements in the electric circuit for selectively changingcurrent and voltage characteristics of the electric circuit for poweringthe electrical load of the electric circuit. The electric-field shieldedcapacitors preferably are configurable through switches or equivalentcomponents. Furthermore, one of the different arrangements of theelectric-field shielded capacitors preferably comprises capacitorsarranged in series; another one of the different arrangements of theelectric-field shielded capacitors preferably comprises capacitorsarranged in parallel; and another one of the different arrangements ofthe electric-field shielded capacitors preferably comprises capacitorsarranged both in series and in parallel.

In another feature, at least one and preferably all electrodes eachcomprises a metallic plate.

In another feature, at least one and preferably all electrodes eachcomprises a thin, wide-area electrode.

In another aspect, an apparatus in which electric power is generated foran electrical load from a differential in electric field strength withina vicinity of powerlines comprises: (a) a plurality of electrodescomprising first, second, and third electrodes separated andelectrically insulated from one another for enabling differentials involtage at the first, second, and third electrodes resulting fromdifferentials in electric field strength experienced at the first,second, and third electrodes when within the vicinity of the powerlines;(b) electrical components electrically connected with the first, second,and third electrodes, at least one or more of the electrical componentsbeing configurable to establish each of (i) a first electric circuit,wherein the differential in voltage between the first electrode and thesecond electrode causes a current to flow through the first electriccircuit for powering an electrical load; (ii) a second electric circuit,wherein the differential in voltage between the first electrode and thethird electrode causes a current to flow through the second electriccircuit for powering the electrical load; and (iii) a third electriccircuit, wherein the differential in voltage between the secondelectrode and the third electrode causes a current to flow through thethird electric circuit for powering the electrical load; and (c) acontrol assembly comprising (i) one or more voltage-detector componentsconfigured to detect voltage of the first, second, and third electrodes;and (ii) a processor enabled to configure—based on the detected voltagesand based on voltage and electric current specifications for poweringthe electrical load—one or more of the electrical components toestablish one of the first electric circuit, the second electriccircuit, and the third electric circuit for powering the electricalload.

In a feature of this aspect, the electrical components comprise aplurality of electric-field shielded capacitors configurable indifferent arrangements in the electric circuit for selectively changingcurrent and voltage characteristics of the electric circuit for poweringthe electrical load of the electric circuit, and wherein the controlassembly is enabled to configure the capacitors into one of thedifferent arrangements in establishing an electric circuit for poweringthe electrical load.

In a feature of this aspect, the apparatus further comprises a batteryby which the control assembly is powered. The battery may power only thecontrol assembly and may not power the electrical load of the electriccircuit. The battery may be rechargeable, and the electrical load of theelectric circuit may comprise the battery for recharging the battery.

In another feature, the voltage and electric current specifications ofthe electrical load are stored in a non-transitory computer-readablemedium of the apparatus for access by the processor.

In another feature, the control assembly configures one or more of theelectrical components to establish one of the first, second, and thirdelectric circuits on a recurring basis when the apparatus is in thevicinity of the powerlines. The recurring basis may correspond to acycle of the alternating current of a power transmission line.

In another feature, the control assembly configures one or more of theelectrical components to establish one of the first, second, and thirdelectric circuits on a recurring basis as the apparatus moves while inthe vicinity of the powerlines. By configuring the one or more of theelectrical components to establish one of the electric circuits on arecurring basis, each time the best available voltage and current outputcharacteristics for the electrical load as between the electric circuitsthat can be established can be determined and selected. Suchelectric-circuit switching can thereby improve performance of thepowering of the electrical load by the apparatus.

In another aspect, an apparatus in which electric power is generated foran electrical load from one or more differentials in electric fieldstrength in a vicinity of powerlines comprises: (a) a plurality ofseparated electrodes; (b) electrical components electrically connectedwith the plurality of electrodes, at least one or more of the electricalcomponents being configurable to establish each of a plurality ofdifferent electric circuits, each of the different electric circuitscomprising a set of two or more mutually exclusive subsets of theplurality of electrodes, the electrodes in each subset that have morethan one electrode being electrically connected with each other foravoiding a voltage differential therebetween, and the one or moreelectrodes of each subset being electrically insulated from eachelectrode of any other subset of the set for enabling one or morevoltage differentials between the subsets of the set resulting from adifferential in electric field strength experienced when the apparatusis within the vicinity of the powerlines, wherein the subsets of the setare interconnected such that the one or more voltage differentialsbetween the subsets causes a current to flow through the electriccircuit of the set for powering the electrical load; and (c) a controlassembly comprising (i) one or more voltage-detector componentsconfigured to detect voltage differentials of the sets; and (ii) aprocessor enabled to process the detected voltage differentialsand—based thereon and based on voltage and electric currentspecifications for powering the electrical load—configure one or more ofthe electrical components in order to establish one of the plurality ofdifferent electric circuits for powering the electrical load.

In a feature, the control assembly configures one or more of theelectrical components in order to establish one of the plurality ofdifferent electric circuits for powering the electrical load on arecurring basis when the apparatus is in the vicinity of the powerlines.Such electric-circuit switching can thereby improve performance of thepowering of the electrical load by the apparatus.

In a feature, the control assembly configures one or more of theelectrical components in order to establish one of the plurality ofdifferent electric circuits for powering the electrical load on arecurring basis when the apparatus moves while in the vicinity of thepowerlines. Such electric-circuit switching can thereby improveperformance of the powering of the electrical load by the apparatus.

In a feature, a plurality of the subsets of electrodes are electricallyconnected in series in at least one of the plurality of differentelectric circuits.

In a feature, a plurality of the subsets of electrodes are electricallyconnected so as to form a plurality of capacitors arranged in series inat least one of the plurality of different electric circuits.

In a feature, a plurality of the subsets of electrodes are electricallyconnected so as to form a plurality of capacitors arranged in parallelin at least one of the plurality of different electric circuits.

In a feature, a subset comprises electrodes arranged in parallel in atleast one of the plurality of different electric circuits.

In a feature, an area of the plurality of electrodes in at least one ofthe plurality of different electric circuits is less than or equal to50% of an area of the set of electrodes in at least one other of theplurality of different electric circuits.

In a feature, an area of the plurality of electrodes in at least one ofthe plurality of different electric circuits is less than or equal to25% of an area of the set of electrodes in at least one other of theplurality of different electric circuits.

In a feature, an area of the plurality of electrodes in at least one ofthe plurality of different electric circuits is less than or equal to10% of an area of the set of electrodes in at least one other of theplurality of different electric circuits.

In another aspect, a device comprises: (a) one or more electricalcomponents; and (b) a power supply unit; (c) wherein the device definesa bay configured to removably receive the power supply unit forelectrical coupling with the device, by which electrical couplingelectric current is provided to the device by the power supply unit; (d)wherein the power supply unit is configured to generate electric powerfrom a differential in electric field strength when the power supplyunit is received in the bay, electrically coupled with the device, andwithin a vicinity of powerlines; and (e) wherein the power supply unitcomprises (i) a first electrode having at least two overall substantialdimensions, a first of which is at least 80% of at least one of anoverall heightwise extent, an overall lengthwise extent, and an overallwidthwise extent of the device, and a second of which is at least 80% ofat least one of the overall heightwise extent, the overall lengthwiseextent, and the overall widthwise extent of the device; and (ii) asecond electrode having at least two overall substantial dimensions, afirst of which is at least 80% of at least one of the overall heightwiseextent, the overall lengthwise extent, and the overall widthwise extentof the device, and a second of which is at least 80% of at least one ofthe overall heightwise extent, the overall lengthwise extent, and theoverall widthwise extent of the device; (iii) wherein the first andsecond electrodes are separated and electrically insulated from eachother for enabling a differential in voltage at the first and secondelectrodes resulting from a differential in electric field strengthexperienced at the first and second electrodes when within the vicinityof the powerlines; and (f) further comprising electrical componentselectrically connected with the first and second electrodes thatestablish an electric circuit with one or more electrical components ofthe device when the power supply unit is received in the bay andelectrically coupled with the device, wherein the differential involtage between the first and second electrodes causes electric currentto flow through the electric circuit for powering the device.

In another aspect, a device, comprises: (a) one or more electricalcomponents; and (b) a power supply unit; (c) wherein the device definesa bay configured to removably receive the power supply unit forelectrical coupling with the device, by which electrical couplingelectric current is provided to the device by the power supply unit; (d)wherein the power supply unit is configured to generate electric powerfrom a differential in electric field strength when the power supplyunit is received in the bay, electrically coupled with the device, andwithin a vicinity of powerlines; and (e) wherein the power supply unitcomprises a plurality of electrodes comprising first, second, and thirdelectrodes separated and electrically insulated from one another forenabling differentials in voltage at the first, second, and thirdelectrodes resulting from differentials in electric field strengthexperienced at the first, second, and third electrodes when within thevicinity of the powerlines; (f) and wherein the device furthercomprises, when the power supply unit is electrically coupled with thedevice, (i) electrical components electrically connected with the first,second, and third electrodes, at least one or more of the electricalcomponents being configurable to establish each of (A) a first electriccircuit, wherein the differential in voltage between the first electrodeand the second electrode causes a current to flow through the firstelectric circuit for powering the device; (B) a second electric circuit,wherein the differential in voltage between the first electrode and thethird electrode causes a current to flow through the second electriccircuit for powering the device; and (C) a third electric circuit,wherein the differential in voltage between the second electrode and thethird electrode causes a current to flow through the third electriccircuit for powering the device; (ii) one or more sensors configured tosense data regarding voltage of the first, second, and third electrodes;and (iii) a processor configured to process the sensed data and, basedthereon and based on voltage and electric current specifications forpowering the device, configure one or more of the electrical componentsto establish one of the first electric circuit, the second electriccircuit, and the third electric circuit for powering the device.

In a feature of this aspect, at least one of the at least one or more ofthe electrical components configurable to establish each of the first,second, and third electric circuits is located within the device andoutside of the power supply unit.

In a feature of this aspect, at least one of the one or more sensorsconfigured to sense data regarding voltage of the first, second, andthird electrodes is located within the device and outside of the powersupply unit.

In another feature, the processor configured to process the sensed dataand, based thereon and based on voltage and electric currentspecifications for powering the device, configure one or more of theelectrical components to establish one of the first electric circuit,the second electric circuit, and the third electric circuit for poweringthe device is located within the device and outside of the power supplyunit.

In a feature, at least one of the at least one or more of the electricalcomponents configurable to establish each of the first, second, andthird electric circuits is located within the power supply unit.

In a feature, at least one of the one or more sensors configured tosense data regarding voltage of the first, second, and third electrodesis located within the power supply unit.

In a feature, the processor configured to process the sensed data and,based thereon and based on voltage and electric current specificationsfor powering the device, configure one or more of the electricalcomponents to establish one of the first electric circuit, the secondelectric circuit, and the third electric circuit for powering the deviceis located within the power supply unit.

In another aspect, a device comprises: (a) one or more electricalcomponents; and (b) a power supply unit; (c) wherein the device definesa bay configured to removably receive the power supply unit forelectrical coupling with the device, by which electrical couplingelectric current is provided to the device by the power supply unit; (d)wherein the power supply unit is configured to generate electric powerfrom a differential in electric field strength when the power supplyunit is received in the bay, electrically coupled with the device, andwithin a vicinity of powerlines; (e) wherein the power supply unitcomprises a plurality of separated electrodes; and (f) wherein thedevice further comprises, when the power supply unit is electricallycoupled with the device, (i) electrical components electricallyconnected with the plurality of electrodes, at least one or more of theelectrical components being configurable to establish each of aplurality of different electric circuits, each of the different electriccircuits comprising a set of two or more mutually exclusive subsets ofthe plurality of electrodes, the electrodes in each subset that havemore than one electrode being electrically connected with each other foravoiding a voltage differential therebetween, and the one or moreelectrodes of each subset being electrically insulated from eachelectrode of any other subset of the set for enabling one or morevoltage differentials between the subsets of the set resulting from adifferential in electric field strength experienced when the device iswithin the vicinity of the powerlines, wherein the subsets of the setare interconnected such that the one or more voltage differentialsbetween the subsets causes a current to flow through the electriccircuit of the set for powering the device; (ii) one or more sensorsconfigured to sense data regarding voltage differentials of the sets;and (iii) a processor configured to process the sensed data and, basedthereon and based on voltage and electric current specifications forpowering the device, configure one or more of the electrical componentsto establish one of the plurality of different electric circuits forpowering the device.

In another aspect, a device, comprises: (a) an external enclosureincluding one or more external walls; (b) a power supply configured togenerate electric power from a differential in electric field strengthwhen the device is within a vicinity of powerlines, the power supplycomprising first and second electrodes; (c) wherein the one or moreexternal walls comprise the first and second electrodes; and (d) whereinthe first and second electrodes are separated and electrically insulatedfrom each other for enabling a differential in voltage at the first andsecond electrodes resulting from a differential in electric fieldstrength experienced at the first and second electrodes when the deviceis within the vicinity of the powerlines; and (e) further comprisingelectrical components electrically connected with the first and secondelectrodes that establish an electric circuit, wherein a differential involtage between the first and second electrodes causes electric currentto flow through the electric circuit for powering the device.

In a feature of this aspect, the external enclosure comprises a housing,casing, or chassis.

In another feature of this aspect, the one or more external wallscomprise a plurality of planar walls, wherein a first of the planarwalls comprises the first electrode and a second of the planar wallscomprise the second electrode. Furthermore, the first electrode may becommensurate in extent with an external surface of the first planarwall, and the second electrode may be commensurate in extent with anexternal surface of the second planar wall. Additionally, the firstelectrode may be contained within the first planar wall and the secondelectrode may be contained within the second planar wall.

In another feature, the one or more external walls comprises a pluralityof curved walls, wherein a first of the curved walls comprises the firstelectrode and a second of the curved walls comprises the secondelectrode. Furthermore, the first electrode may be commensurate with anexternal surface of the first planar wall, and the second electrodeextends may be commensurate with an external surface of the secondplanar wall. Additionally, the first electrode may be contained withinthe first curved wall and the second electrode may be contained withinthe second curved wall.

In another feature, the one or more external walls comprise a pluralityof surfaces, wherein the first electrode comprises a first of thesurfaces and the second electrode comprises a second of the surfaces.The first and second surfaces may be curved surfaces, or the first andsecond surfaces may be planar surfaces.

In another aspect, a device, comprises: (a) an external enclosureincluding one or more external walls; (b) a power supply configured togenerate electric power from a differential in electric field strengthwhen the device is within a vicinity of powerlines, the power supplycomprising first, second, and third electrodes; (c) wherein the one ormore external walls comprise the first, second, and third electrodes;and (d) wherein the first, second, and third electrodes are separatedand electrically insulated from each other for enabling (i) adifferential in voltage at the first and second electrodes resultingfrom a differential in electric field strength experienced at the firstand second electrodes when the device is within the vicinity of thepowerlines; (ii) a differential in voltage at the first and thirdelectrodes resulting from a differential in electric field strengthexperienced at the first and third electrodes when the device is withinthe vicinity of the powerlines; and (iii) a differential in voltage atthe second and third electrodes resulting from a differential inelectric field strength experienced at the second and third electrodeswhen the device is within the vicinity of the powerlines. Additionally,the device further comprises electrical components electricallyconnected with the first, second, and third electrodes and configurableto establish, in the alternative, each of (i) a first electric circuit,wherein a differential in voltage between the first and secondelectrodes causes electric current to flow through the electric circuitfor powering the device; (ii) a second electric circuit, wherein adifferential in voltage between the first and third electrodes causeselectric current to flow through the electric circuit for powering thedevice; and (iii) a third electric circuit, wherein a differential involtage between the second and third electrodes causes electric currentto flow through the electric circuit for powering the device; One ormore voltage-detector components is configured to detect voltages of thefirst, second, and third electrodes; and a controller is configured toprocess the detected voltages data and to configure one or more of theelectrical components based thereon and based on voltage and electriccurrent specifications for powering the device, in order to establishone of the first electric circuit, the second electric circuit, and thethird electric circuit for powering the device.

In a feature of this aspect, the controller may comprise a processor, amicrocontroller, or an integrated circuit including an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC).

In another feature, the controller comprises software executable by theprocessor and non-transitory computer-readable memory.

In another aspect, a device comprises: (a) an external enclosureincluding one or more external walls; (b) a power supply configured togenerate electric power from a differential in electric field strengthwhen the device is within a vicinity of powerlines, the power supplycomprising a plurality of separated electrodes, wherein the one or moreexternal walls comprise one or more of the plurality of electrodes; (c)electrical components electrically connected with the plurality ofelectrodes, at least one or more of the electrical components beingconfigurable to establish each of a plurality of different electriccircuits, each of the different electric circuits comprising a set oftwo or more mutually exclusive subsets of the plurality of electrodes,the electrodes in each subset that have more than one electrode beingelectrically connected with each other for avoiding a voltagedifferential therebetween, and the one or more electrodes of each subsetbeing electrically insulated from each electrode of any other subset ofthe set for enabling one or more voltage differentials between thesubsets of the set resulting from a differential in electric fieldstrength experienced when the device is within the vicinity of thepowerlines, wherein the subsets of the set are interconnected such thatthe one or more voltage differentials between the subsets causes acurrent to flow through the electric circuit of the set for powering thedevice; (d) one or more sensors configured to sense data regardingvoltage differentials of the sets; and (e) a controller configured toprocess the sensed data and based thereon and based on voltage andelectric current specifications for powering the device, configure oneor more of the electrical components to establish one of the pluralityof different electric circuits for powering the device.

In another aspect, an apparatus in which electric power is generated foran electrical load from one or more differentials in electric fieldstrength in a vicinity of powerlines comprises: (a) a plurality ofseparated electrodes; (b) electrical components electrically connectedwith the plurality of electrodes, at least one or more of the electricalcomponents being configurable to establish each of a plurality ofdifferent electric circuits, each of the different electric circuitscomprising a set of two or more mutually exclusive subsets of theplurality of electrodes, the electrodes in each subset that have morethan one electrode being electrically connected with each other foravoiding a voltage differential therebetween, and the one or moreelectrodes of each subset being electrically insulated from eachelectrode of any other subset of the set for enabling one or morevoltage differentials between the subsets of the set resulting from adifferential in electric field strength experienced when the apparatusis within the vicinity of the powerlines, wherein the subsets of the setare interconnected such that the one or more voltage differentialsbetween the subsets causes a current to flow through the electriccircuit of the set for powering the electrical load; and (c) a controlassembly comprising (i) one or more voltage-detector componentsconfigured to detect voltage differentials of the sets; and (ii) aprocessor enabled to process the detected voltage differentialsand—based thereon and based on voltage and electric currentspecifications for powering the electrical load—configure one or more ofthe electrical components in order to establish one of the plurality ofdifferent electric circuits for powering the electrical load.

In a feature, the electrodes of the plurality of electrodes aresymmetrically arranged about an axis of the apparatus.

In a feature, the electrodes of the plurality of electrodes aresymmetrically arranged about a center of the apparatus.

In a feature, the electrodes are encased in a nonmetallic material.

In a feature, the electrodes are encased in a molded material.

In a feature, the electrodes are encased in a nonconducting polymermaterial.

In a feature, the electrodes are encased in a nonconducting plasticmaterial. The plastic material may be a nonconducting thermoplasticmaterial or a nonconducting thermosetting material.

In a feature, the plurality of electrodes is located in a blockarrangement and define walls of the block.

In a feature, the electrodes each comprises a planar rectangularsurface.

In a feature, the electrodes define inner surfaces of a block.

In a feature, the electrodes define outer surfaces of a block.

In a feature, the plurality of electrodes is located in an arrangementof nested blocks and defines walls of the blocks. In this respect, asubset of two or more separated and electrically insulated electrodesforms each of the blocks. Indeed, no block would be entirely formed of asingle electrode.

In a feature, the control assembly is located within an innermost blockof nested blocks.

In a feature, the plurality of electrodes is located in a sphericalarrangement and define wall of a sphere. In this respect, a subset oftwo or more separated and electrically insulated electrodes forms eachof the spheres. Indeed, no sphere would be entirely formed of a singleelectrode.

In a feature, the electrodes each comprises a planar surface.

In a feature, the electrodes each comprises a curved surface.

In a feature, the electrodes define an inner surface of a sphere.

In a feature, each electrode comprises a concave surface.

In a feature, the electrodes define an outer surface of a sphere.

In a feature, each electrode comprises a convex surface.

In a feature, a first pair of electrodes is located along a first axis,a second pair of electrodes is located along a second axis orthogonal tothe first axis, and a third pair of electrodes is located along a thirdaxis orthogonal to each of the first axis and the second axis. Thefirst, second, and third pairs of electrodes may be arranged in a“jacks” formation; the first, second, and third axes may intersect at anorigin point; and the origin point may represent a midpoint between theelectrodes of the first pair, may represent a midpoint between theelectrodes of the second pair; and may represent a midpoint between theelectrodes of the third pair. Additionally, the electrodes of the firstpair may be located a first distance apart; the electrodes of the secondpair may be located a second distance apart; the electrodes of the thirdpair may be located a third distance apart; and the first, second, andthird distances may or may not be equal in length. Moreover, eachelectrode of the first pair may be hemispheric or planar in shape.

In another feature, the plurality of electrodes is located in anarrangement of concentric spheres and defines walls of the spheres, andthe control assembly may be located within an innermost sphere.

In an aspect of the invention, a method for generating electric powerfrom a differential in electric field strength within a vicinity ofpowerlines comprises the steps of: (a) establishing a circuit in whichfirst and second electrodes are separated and electrically insulatedfrom each other for enabling a differential in voltage at the first andsecond electrodes resulting from a differential in electric fieldstrength experienced at the first and second electrodes when within thevicinity of the powerlines; and (b) positioning the first and secondelectrodes within the vicinity of powerlines such that the first andsecond electrodes experience a differential in electric field strengthwith a resulting differential in voltage between the first and secondelectrodes causing a current to flow through the circuit for powering anelectrical load of the electric circuit.

In a feature of this aspect, the step of establishing the circuitcomprises configuring in one of a plurality of different arrangements aplurality of electric-field shielded capacitors forming part of theelectric circuit for powering the electrical load of the electriccircuit, each of the different arrangements providing a differentoverall capacitance to the electric circuit.

In a feature, one of the different arrangements of the electric-fieldshielded capacitors comprises capacitors arranged in series; another oneof the different arrangements of the electric-field shielded capacitorscomprises capacitors arranged in parallel; and another one of thedifferent arrangements of the electric-field shielded capacitorscomprises capacitors arranged in both series and parallel.

In a feature, one of the different arrangements of the electric-fieldshielded capacitors comprises capacitors arranged in series; another oneof the different arrangements of the electric-field shielded capacitorscomprises capacitors arranged in parallel; and another one of thedifferent arrangements of the electric-field shielded capacitorscomprises capacitors arranged in both series and parallel.

In a feature, the powerlines carry alternating electric current.Preferably, the voltage of the powerlines is one of 69 kV; 115 kV; 230kV; 500 kV; and 765 kV.

In another aspect, a method for generating electric power for anelectrical load from a differential in electric field strength within avicinity of powerlines comprises the steps of: (a) positioning first,second, and third electrodes within the vicinity of powerlines such thatthe first, second, and third electrodes experience differentials inelectric field strength with resulting differentials in voltage at twoor more of the first, second, and third electrodes; (b) detectingrelative voltages at the first, second, and third electrodes; and (c)establishing a particular one of a plurality of mutually exclusiveelectric circuits each comprising a pair of electrodes, the plurality ofmutually exclusive electric circuits comprising (i) a first electriccircuit, in which the first electrode and the second electrode areseparated and electrically insulated from each other for enabling adifferential in voltage at the first and second electrodes resultingfrom a differential in electric field strength experienced at the firstand second electrodes when within the vicinity of the powerlines, thedifferential in voltage between the first electrode and the secondelectrode causing a current to flow through the first electric circuitfor powering the electrical load; (ii) a second electric circuit, inwhich the first electrode and the third electrode are separated andelectrically insulated from each other for enabling a differential involtage at the first and third electrodes resulting from a differentialin electric field strength experienced at the first and third electrodeswhen within the vicinity of the powerlines, the differential in voltagebetween the first electrode and the third electrode causing a current toflow through the second electric circuit for powering the electricalload; and (iii) a third electric circuit, in which the second electrodeand the third electrode are separated and electrically insulated fromeach other for enabling a differential in voltage at the second andthird electrodes resulting from a differential in electric fieldstrength experienced at the second and third electrodes when within thevicinity of the powerlines, the differential in voltage between thesecond electrode and the third electrode causing a current to flowthrough the third electric circuit for powering the electrical load; (d)wherein the particular one of the plurality of mutually exclusiveelectric circuits is established as a function of the detected voltagesand based on voltage and electric current specifications for poweringthe electrical load.

In a feature of this aspect, a processor is enabled to configure each ofthe plurality of mutually exclusive electric circuits as a function ofthe detected voltages and of the voltage and electric currentspecifications for powering the electrical load.

In another feature, the method further comprises again detectingrelative voltages at the first, second, and third electrodes and—as afunction thereof and of the voltage and electric current specificationsfor powering the electrical load—establishing another particular one ofthe plurality of mutually exclusive electric circuits.

In a feature, the one or more voltage-detector components are configuredto detect a voltage of the first, second, and third electrodes relativeto a reference voltage.

In a feature, the one or more voltage-detector components are configuredto detect a voltage of the first and second electrodes relative to thethird electrode.

In a feature, the method further comprises moving the first, second, andthird electrodes while in the vicinity of the powerlines while furtherdetecting relative voltages at the first, second, and third electrodesand—as a function thereof and of the voltage and electric currentspecifications for powering the electrical load—establishing anotherparticular one of the plurality of mutually exclusive electric circuits.

In another aspect, a method for generating electric power for anelectrical load from one or more differentials in electric fieldstrength within a vicinity of powerlines comprises the steps of: (a)positioning a plurality of separated electrodes within the vicinity ofpowerlines such that the electrodes experience differentials in electricfield strength with resulting differentials in voltage at theelectrodes; and (b) establishing a particular one of a plurality ofdifferent electric circuits, each of the different electric circuitscomprising a set of two or more mutually exclusive subsets of theplurality of electrodes, the electrodes in each subset that have morethan one electrode being electrically connected with each other foravoiding any voltage differential therebetween, and the one or moreelectrodes of each subset being electrically insulated from eachelectrode of any other subset of the set for enabling one or morevoltage differentials between the subsets of the set, wherein thesubsets are interconnected in each electric circuit such that the one ormore voltage differentials therebetween causes a current to flow throughthe electric circuit for powering the electrical load; and (c) furthercomprising detecting voltage differentials of the sets, wherein theparticular one of the plurality of different electric circuits isestablished as a function of the detected voltage differentials andelectric current specifications for powering the electrical load.

In a feature, the method further comprises again detecting voltagedifferentials at the subsets of the plurality of electrodes and—as afunction thereof and of the voltage and electric current specificationsfor powering the electrical load—establishing another particular one ofthe plurality of different electric circuits.

In a feature, the method further comprises again detecting voltagedifferentials at the subsets of the plurality of electrodes when movingthe subsets of the plurality of electrodes while in the vicinity of thepowerlines and—as a function thereof and of the voltage and electriccurrent specifications for powering the electrical load—establishinganother particular one of the plurality of different electric circuits.

In another aspect, a method for powering a device comprises the stepsof: (a) providing a power supply unit adapted to generate electric powerfrom a differential in electric field strength within a vicinity ofpowerlines, the power supply unit comprising (i) a first electrodehaving at least two overall substantial dimensions, a first of which isat least 80% of at least one of an overall heightwise extent, an overalllengthwise extent, and an overall widthwise extent of the device, and asecond of which is at least 80% of at least one of the overallheightwise extent, the overall lengthwise extent, and the overallwidthwise extent of the device; and (ii) a second electrode having atleast two overall substantial dimensions, a first of which is at least80% of at least one of the overall heightwise extent, the overalllengthwise extent, and the overall widthwise extent of the device, and asecond of which is at least 80% of at least one of the overallheightwise extent, the overall lengthwise extent, and the overallwidthwise extent of the device; (iii) wherein the first and secondelectrodes are separated and electrically insulated from each other forenabling a differential in voltage at the first and second electrodesresulting from a differential in electric field strength experienced atthe first and second electrodes when within the vicinity of thepowerlines; (b) electrically coupling the power supply unit with thedevice, comprising inserting the power supply unit into a bay of thedevice, whereby electrical components of the power supply electricallyconnected with the first and second electrodes establish an electriccircuit with one or more electrical components of the device through theelectrical coupling; and (c) locating the device within the vicinity ofpowerlines such that a differential in voltage between the first andsecond electrodes causes electric current to flow through the electriccircuit for powering the device.

In another aspect, a method for powering a device comprises the stepsof: (a) providing a power supply unit adapted to generate electric powerfrom a differential in electric field strength within a vicinity ofpowerlines; (b) electrically coupling the power supply unit with thedevice, comprising inserting the power supply unit into a bay of thedevice, whereby electrical components electrically connected with thefirst, second, and third electrodes are configurable to establish,through the electrical coupling, a particular one of a plurality ofmutually exclusive electric circuits each comprising a pair ofelectrodes, the plurality of mutually exclusive electric circuitscomprising (i) a first electric circuit, in which the first electrodeand the second electrode are separated and electrically insulated fromeach other for enabling a differential in voltage at the first andsecond electrodes resulting from a differential in electric fieldstrength experienced at the first and second electrodes when within thevicinity of the powerlines, the differential in voltage between thefirst electrode and the second electrode causing a current to flowthrough the first electric circuit for powering the device; (ii) asecond electric circuit, in which the first electrode and the thirdelectrode are separated and electrically insulated from each other forenabling a differential in voltage at the first and third electrodesresulting from a differential in electric field strength experienced atthe first and third electrodes when within the vicinity of thepowerlines, the differential in voltage between the first electrode andthe third electrode causing a current to flow through the secondelectric circuit for powering the device; and (iii) a third electriccircuit, in which the second electrode and the third electrode areseparated and electrically insulated from each other for enabling adifferential in voltage at the second and third electrodes resultingfrom a differential in electric field strength experienced at the secondand third electrodes when within the vicinity of the powerlines, thedifferential in voltage between the second electrode and the thirdelectrode causing a current to flow through the third electric circuitfor powering the device; and (c) locating the device within the vicinityof powerlines whereby a differential in voltage exists between at leasttwo of the first, second, and third electrodes; (d) sensing dataregarding voltage at the first, second, and third electrodes; (e) andbased on the sensed voltage data and based on voltage and electriccurrent specifications for powering the electrical load, establishing aparticular one of a plurality of mutually exclusive electric circuitswhereby electric current flows therethrough for powering the device.

In another aspect, a method for powering a device comprises the stepsof: (a) providing a power supply unit adapted to generate electric powerfrom differentials in electric field strength experienced within avicinity of powerlines, the power supply unit comprising a plurality ofseparated electrodes; (b) electrically coupling the power supply unitwith the device, comprising inserting the power supply unit into a bayof the device whereby electrical components electrically connected withthe plurality of electrodes are configurable to establish, through theelectrical coupling, a particular one of a plurality of plurality ofdifferent electric circuits, each of the different electric circuitscomprising a set of two or more mutually exclusive subsets of theplurality of electrodes, the electrodes in each subset that have morethan one electrode being electrically connected with each other foravoiding a voltage differential therebetween, and the one or moreelectrodes of each subset being electrically insulated from eachelectrode of any other subset of the set for enabling one or morevoltage differentials between the subsets of the set, wherein thesubsets are interconnected in each electric circuit such that the one ormore voltage differentials between the subsets causes a current to flowthrough the circuit for powering the device; (c) locating the devicewithin the vicinity of powerlines whereby a differential in voltageexists between subsets of the plurality of electrodes; (d) sensing dataregarding voltage differentials of the sets; and (e) based on the sensedvoltage differentials and based on voltage and electric currentspecifications for powering the device, establishing a particular one ofthe plurality of different electric circuits whereby electric currentflows therethrough for powering the device.

In another aspect, a method for powering a device from one or moredifferentials in electric field strength within a vicinity of powerlinescomprises the steps of: (a) providing a device comprising (i) anexternal enclosure including one or more external walls; (ii) a powersupply configured to generate electric power from a differential inelectric field strength when the device is within a vicinity ofpowerlines, the power supply comprising first and second electrodes;(iii) wherein the one or more external walls comprise the first andsecond electrodes; and (iv) wherein the first and second electrodes areseparated and electrically insulated from each other for enabling adifferential in voltage at the first and second electrodes resultingfrom a differential in electric field strength experienced at the firstand second electrodes when the device is within the vicinity of thepowerlines; and (v) further comprising electrical componentselectrically connected with the first and second electrodes thatestablish an electric circuit, wherein a differential in voltage betweenthe first and second electrodes causes electric current to flow throughthe electric circuit for powering the device; and (b) positioning thedevice within the vicinity of powerlines such that a differential inelectric field strength experienced at the first and second electrodescreates a differential in voltage between the first and secondelectrodes and causes electric current to flow through the electriccircuit and powers the device.

In a feature, the positioning comprises at least one of rotating ortranslating the device while in the vicinity of the powerlines foraltering the voltage differential between the first and secondelectrodes.

In another feature, the method further comprises the step of detectingthe voltage differential and ceasing said positioning when a particularvoltage differential exists. The particular voltage differential may bedetermined as a function of voltage and current specifications forpowering the device.

In another aspect, a method for powering a device from one or moredifferentials in electric field strength within a vicinity of powerlinescomprises the steps of: (a) providing a device comprising (i) anexternal enclosure including one or more external walls; (ii) a powersupply configured to generate electric power from a differential inelectric field strength when the device is within a vicinity ofpowerlines, the power supply comprising first, second, and thirdelectrodes that are separated and electrically insulated from each otherfor enabling (A) a differential in voltage at the first and secondelectrodes resulting from a differential in electric field strengthexperienced at the first and second electrodes when the device is withinthe vicinity of the powerlines; (B) a differential in voltage at thefirst and third electrodes resulting from a differential in electricfield strength experienced at the first and third electrodes when thedevice is within the vicinity of the powerlines; and (C) a differentialin voltage at the second and third electrodes resulting from adifferential in electric field strength experienced at the second andthird electrodes when the device is within the vicinity of thepowerlines; and (ii) electrical components electrically connected withthe first, second, and third electrodes and configurable to establish,in the alternative, each of (A) a first electric circuit, wherein adifferential in voltage between the first and second electrodes causeselectric current to flow through the electric circuit for powering thedevice; (B) a second electric circuit, wherein a differential in voltagebetween the first and third electrodes causes electric current to flowthrough the electric circuit for powering the device; and (C) a thirdelectric circuit, wherein a differential in voltage between the secondand third electrodes causes electric current to flow through theelectric circuit for powering the device; (b) locating the device withinthe vicinity of powerlines whereby a differential in voltage existsbetween at least two of the first, second, and third electrodes; (c)detecting relative voltages at the first, second, and third electrodes;and (d) and based on the detected voltages and based on voltage andelectric current specifications for powering the electrical load,configuring the electrical components to establish a particular one ofthe first, second, and third electric circuits such that electriccurrent flows therethrough for powering the device.

In another aspect, a method for powering a device from one or moredifferentials in electric field strength within a vicinity of powerlinescomprises the steps of: (a) providing a device comprising (i) anexternal enclosure including one or more external walls; (ii) a powersupply configured to generate electric power from a differential inelectric field strength when the device is within a vicinity ofpowerlines, the power supply comprising plurality of separatedelectrodes, wherein the one or more external walls comprise one or moreof the plurality of electrodes; (iii) electrical components electricallyconnected with the plurality of electrodes, at least one or more of theelectrical components being configurable to establish each of aplurality of different electric circuits, each of the different electriccircuits comprising a set of two or more mutually exclusive subsets ofthe plurality of electrodes, the electrodes in each subset that havemore than one electrode being electrically connected with each other foravoiding a voltage differential therebetween, and the one or moreelectrodes of each subset being electrically insulated from eachelectrode of any other subset of the set for enabling one or morevoltage differentials between the subsets of the set resulting from adifferential in electric field strength experienced when the device iswithin the vicinity of the powerlines, wherein the subsets of the setare interconnected such that the one or more voltage differentialsbetween the subsets causes a current to flow through the electriccircuit of the set for powering the device; (b) locating the devicewithin the vicinity of powerlines whereby a differential in voltageexists between at least two of the first, second, and third electrodes;(c) detecting voltage differentials of the sets; and (d) based on thedetected voltage differentials of the sets and based on voltage andelectric current specifications for powering the device, configuring oneor more of the electrical components to establish one of the pluralityof different electric circuits for powering the device.

In an aspect of the invention, a UAV in which electric power isgenerated from a differential in electric field strength within avicinity of powerlines comprises: (a) a first electrode having at leasttwo overall substantial dimensions, a first of which is at least 80% ofat least one of an overall heightwise extent, an overall lengthwiseextent, and an overall widthwise extent of the apparatus, and a secondof which is at least 80% of at least one of the overall heightwiseextent, the overall lengthwise extent, and the overall widthwise extentof the apparatus; and (b) a second electrode having at least two overallsubstantial dimensions, a first of which is at least 80% of at least oneof the overall heightwise extent, the overall lengthwise extent, and theoverall widthwise extent of the apparatus, and a second of which is atleast 80% of at least one of the overall heightwise extent, the overalllengthwise extent, and the overall widthwise extent of the apparatus;(c) wherein the first and second electrodes are separated andelectrically insulated from each other for enabling a differential involtage at the first and second electrodes resulting from a differentialin electric field strength experienced at the first and secondelectrodes when within the vicinity of the powerlines; and (d) furthercomprising electrical components electrically connected with the firstand second electrodes that establish an electric circuit, with thedifferential in voltage between the first and second electrodes causinga current to flow through the circuit for powering an electrical load ofthe electric circuit.

In a feature of this aspect, the electrical components comprise aplurality of electric-field shielded capacitors configurable indifferent arrangements in the electric circuit for selectively changingcurrent and voltage characteristics of the electric circuit for poweringthe electrical load of the electric circuit.

In a feature, the electrical load comprises a rechargeable battery ofthe UAV.

In a feature, the electrical load comprises a propulsion system of theUAV.

In a feature, the electrical load comprises a navigation system of theUAV.

In a feature, the electrical load comprises an electric motor of theUAV.

In a feature, the electrical load comprises a camera of the UAV.

In a feature, the electrical load comprises a transceiver of the UAV.

In a feature, the electric-field shielded capacitors are configurablethrough switches.

In a feature, one of the different arrangements of the electric-fieldshielded capacitors comprises capacitors arranged in series; another oneof the different arrangements of the electric-field shielded capacitorscomprises capacitors arranged in parallel; and another one of thedifferent arrangements of the electric-field shielded capacitorscomprises capacitors arranged in both series and parallel.

In a feature, each electrode comprises a metallic plate.

In another aspect, a UAV in which electric power is generated for anelectrical load from a differential in electric field strength within avicinity of powerlines comprises: (a) a plurality of electrodescomprising first, second, and third electrodes separated andelectrically insulated from one another for enabling differentials involtage at the first, second, and third electrodes resulting fromdifferentials in electric field strength experienced at the first,second, and third electrodes when within the vicinity of the powerlines;(b) electrical components electrically connected with the first, second,and third electrodes, at least one or more of the electrical componentsbeing configurable to establish each of (i) a first electric circuit,wherein the differential in voltage between the first electrode and thesecond electrode causes a current to flow through the first electriccircuit for powering an electrical load; (ii) a second electric circuit,wherein the differential in voltage between the first electrode and thethird electrode causes a current to flow through the second electriccircuit for powering the electrical load; and (iii) a third electriccircuit, wherein the differential in voltage between the secondelectrode and the third electrode causes a current to flow through thethird electric circuit for powering the electrical load; (c) a controlassembly comprising (i) one or more voltage-detector componentsconfigured to detect voltage of the first, second, and third electrodes;and (ii) a processor enabled to configure—based on the detected voltagesand based on voltage and electric current specifications for poweringthe electrical load—one or more of the electrical components toestablish one of the first electric circuit, the second electriccircuit, and the third electric circuit for powering the electricalload.

In another feature, the electrical components comprise a plurality ofelectric-field shielded capacitors configurable in differentarrangements in the electric circuit for selectively changing currentand voltage characteristics of the electric circuit for powering theelectrical load of the electric circuit, and wherein the controlassembly is enabled to configure the capacitors into one of thedifferent arrangements in establishing an electric circuit for poweringthe electrical load.

In another feature, the UAV further comprises a battery by which thecontrol assembly is powered. The battery may power only the controlassembly; the battery may not power the electrical load of the electriccircuit; and the battery may be rechargeable, wherein the electricalload of the electric circuit comprises the battery for recharging thebattery.

In another feature, the voltage and electric current specifications ofthe electrical load are stored in a non-transitory computer-readablemedium of the UAV for access by the processor.

In another feature, the control assembly configures one or more of theelectrical components to establish one of the first, second, and thirdelectric circuits on a recurring basis when the UAV is in the vicinityof the powerlines.

In another feature, the control assembly configures one or more of theelectrical components to establish one of the first, second, and thirdelectric circuits on a recurring basis as the UAV flies while in thevicinity of the powerlines.

In another aspect, a UAV in which electric power is generated for anelectrical load from one or more differentials in electric fieldstrength in a vicinity of powerlines comprises: (a) a plurality ofseparated electrodes; (b) electrical components electrically connectedwith the plurality of electrodes, at least one or more of the electricalcomponents being configurable to establish each of a plurality ofdifferent electric circuits, each of the different electric circuitscomprising a set of two or more mutually exclusive subsets of theplurality of electrodes, the electrodes in each subset that have morethan one electrode being electrically connected with each other foravoiding a voltage differential therebetween, and the one or moreelectrodes of each subset being electrically insulated from eachelectrode of any other subset of the set for enabling one or morevoltage differentials between the subsets of the set resulting from adifferential in electric field strength experienced when the UAV iswithin the vicinity of the powerlines, wherein the subsets of the setare interconnected such that the one or more voltage differentialsbetween the subsets causes a current to flow through the electriccircuit of the set for powering the electrical load; and (c) a controlassembly comprising (i) one or more voltage-detector componentsconfigured to detect voltage differentials of the sets; and (ii) aprocessor enabled to process the detected voltage differentialsand—based thereon and based on voltage and electric currentspecifications for powering the electrical load—configure one or more ofthe electrical components in order to establish one of the plurality ofdifferent electric circuits for powering the electrical load.

In a feature, the control assembly configures one or more of theelectrical components in order to establish one of the plurality ofdifferent electric circuits for powering the electrical load on arecurring basis when the UAV is in the vicinity of the powerlines.

In a feature, the control assembly configures one or more of theelectrical components in order to establish one of the plurality ofdifferent electric circuits for powering the electrical load on arecurring basis when the UAV moves while in the vicinity of thepowerlines.

In a feature, a plurality of the subsets of electrodes are electricallyconnected in series in at least one of the plurality of differentelectric circuits.

In a feature, a plurality of the subsets of electrodes are electricallyconnected so as to form a plurality of capacitors arranged in series inat least one of the plurality of different electric circuits.

In a feature, a plurality of the subsets of electrodes are electricallyconnected so as to form a plurality of capacitors arranged in parallelin at least one of the plurality of different electric circuits.

In a feature, a subset comprises electrodes electrically connected inparallel in at least one of the plurality of different electriccircuits.

Ina feature, an area of the plurality of electrodes in at least one ofthe plurality of different electric circuits is less than or equal to50% of an area of the set of electrodes in at least one other of theplurality of different electric circuits.

In a feature, an area of the plurality of electrodes in at least one ofthe plurality of different electric circuits is less than or equal to25% of an area of the set of electrodes in at least one other of theplurality of different electric circuits.

In a feature, an area of the plurality of electrodes in at least one ofthe plurality of different electric circuits is less than or equal to10% of an area of the set of electrodes in at least one other of theplurality of different electric circuits.

In another aspect, a UAV comprises: (a) one or more electricalcomponents; and (b) a power supply unit; (c) wherein the UAV defines abay configured to removably receive the power supply unit for electricalcoupling with the UAV, by which electrical coupling electric current isprovided to the UAV by the power supply unit; (d) wherein the powersupply unit is configured to generate electric power from a differentialin electric field strength when the power supply unit is received in thebay, electrically coupled with the UAV, and within a vicinity ofpowerlines; and (e) wherein the power supply unit comprises (i) a firstelectrode having at least two overall substantial dimensions, a first ofwhich is at least 80% of at least one of an overall heightwise extent,an overall lengthwise extent, and an overall widthwise extent of theapparatus, and a second of which is at least 80% of at least one of theoverall heightwise extent, the overall lengthwise extent, and theoverall widthwise extent of the apparatus; and (ii) a second electrodehaving at least two overall substantial dimensions, a first of which isat least 80% of at least one of the overall heightwise extent, theoverall lengthwise extent, and the overall widthwise extent of theapparatus, and a second of which is at least 80% of at least one of theoverall heightwise extent, the overall lengthwise extent, and theoverall widthwise extent of the apparatus; (iii) wherein the first andsecond electrodes are separated and electrically insulated from eachother for enabling a differential in voltage at the first and secondelectrodes resulting from a differential in electric field strengthexperienced at the first and second electrodes when within the vicinityof the powerlines; and (f) further comprising electrical componentselectrically connected with the first and second electrodes thatestablish an electric circuit with one or more electrical components ofthe UAV when the power supply unit is received in the bay andelectrically coupled with the UAV, wherein the differential in voltagebetween the first and second electrodes causes electric current to flowthrough the electric circuit for powering the UAV.

In another aspect, a UAV comprises: (a) one or more electricalcomponents; and (b) a power supply unit; (c) wherein the UAV defines abay configured to removably receive the power supply unit for electricalcoupling with the UAV, by which electrical coupling electric current isprovided to the UAV by the power supply unit; (d) wherein the powersupply unit is configured to generate electric power from a differentialin electric field strength when the power supply unit is received in thebay, electrically coupled with the UAV, and within a vicinity ofpowerlines; and (e) wherein the power supply unit comprises a pluralityof electrodes comprising first, second, and third electrodes separatedand electrically insulated from one another for enabling differentialsin voltage at the first, second, and third electrodes resulting fromdifferentials in electric field strength experienced at the first,second, and third electrodes when within the vicinity of the powerlines;(f) and wherein the UAV further comprises, when the power supply unit iselectrically coupled with the UAV, (i) electrical componentselectrically connected with the first, second, and third electrodes, atleast one or more of the electrical components being configurable toestablish each of (A) a first electric circuit, wherein the differentialin voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode causes acurrent to flow through the first electric circuit for powering the UAV;(B) a second electric circuit, wherein the differential in voltagebetween the first electrode and the third electrode causes a current toflow through the second electric circuit for powering the UAV; and (C) athird electric circuit, wherein the differential in voltage between thesecond electrode and the third electrode causes a current to flowthrough the third electric circuit for powering the UAV; (ii) one ormore sensors configured to sense data regarding voltage of the first,second, and third electrodes; and (iii) a processor configured toprocess the sensed data and, based thereon and based on voltage andelectric current specifications for powering the UAV, configure one ormore of the electrical components to establish one of the first electriccircuit, the second electric circuit, and the third electric circuit forpowering the UAV.

In a feature, at least one of the at least one or more of the electricalcomponents configurable to establish each of the first, second, andthird electric circuits is located within the UAV and outside of thepower supply unit.

In a feature, at least one of the one or more sensors configured tosense data regarding voltage of the first, second, and third electrodesis located within the UAV and outside of the power supply unit.

In a feature, the processor configured to process the sensed data and,based thereon and based on voltage and electric current specificationsfor powering the UAV, configure one or more of the electrical componentsto establish one of the first electric circuit, the second electriccircuit, and the third electric circuit for powering the UAV is locatedwithin the UAV and outside of the power supply unit.

In a feature, at least one of the at least one or more of the electricalcomponents configurable to establish each of the first, second, andthird electric circuits is located within the power supply unit.

In a feature, at least one of the one or more sensors configured tosense data regarding voltage of the first, second, and third electrodesis located within the power supply unit.

In a feature, the processor configured to process the sensed data and,based thereon and based on voltage and electric current specificationsfor powering the UAV, configure one or more of the electrical componentsto establish one of the first electric circuit, the second electriccircuit, and the third electric circuit for powering the UAV is locatedwithin the power supply unit.

In an aspect, a UAV comprises: (a) one or more electrical components;and (b) a power supply unit; (c) wherein the UAV defines a bayconfigured to removably receive the power supply unit for electricalcoupling with the UAV, by which electrical coupling electric current isprovided to the UAV by the power supply unit; (d) wherein the powersupply unit is configured to generate electric power from a differentialin electric field strength when the power supply unit is received in thebay, electrically coupled with the UAV, and within a vicinity ofpowerlines; (e) wherein the power supply unit comprises a plurality ofseparated electrodes; and (f) wherein the UAV further comprises, whenthe power supply unit is electrically coupled with the UAV, (i)electrical components electrically connected with the plurality ofelectrodes, at least one or more of the electrical components beingconfigurable to establish each of a plurality of different electriccircuits, each of the different electric circuits comprising a set oftwo or more mutually exclusive subsets of the plurality of electrodes,the electrodes in each subset that have more than one electrode beingelectrically connected with each other for avoiding a voltagedifferential therebetween, and the one or more electrodes of each subsetbeing electrically insulated from each electrode of any other subset ofthe set for enabling one or more voltage differentials between thesubsets of the set resulting from a differential in electric fieldstrength experienced when the UAV is within the vicinity of thepowerlines, wherein the subsets of the set are interconnected such thatthe one or more voltage differentials between the subsets causes acurrent to flow through the electric circuit of the set for powering theUAV; (ii) one or more sensors configured to sense data regarding voltagedifferentials of the sets; and (iii) a processor configured to processthe sensed data and, based thereon and based on voltage and electriccurrent specifications for powering the UAV, configure one or more ofthe electrical components to establish one of the plurality of differentelectric circuits for powering the UAV.

In another aspect, a UAV comprise: (a) an external enclosure includingone or more external walls; (b) a power supply configured to generateelectric power from a differential in electric field strength when theUAV is within a vicinity of powerlines, the power supply comprisingfirst and second electrodes; (c) wherein the one or more external wallsof the enclosure comprise the first and second electrodes; and (d)wherein the first and second electrodes are separated and electricallyinsulated from each other for enabling a differential in voltage at thefirst and second electrodes resulting from a differential in electricfield strength experienced at the first and second electrodes when theUAV is within the vicinity of the powerlines. The UAV also compriseselectrical components electrically connected with the first and secondelectrodes that establish an electric circuit, wherein a differential involtage between the first and second electrodes causes electric currentto flow through the electric circuit for powering the UAV.

In a feature, the external enclosure comprises a housing, casing, orchassis.

In a feature, the UAV comprises a fixed-wing aircraft.

In a feature, the external enclosure comprises one or more wings.

In a feature, the external enclosure comprises one or more air foils.

In a feature, the external enclosure comprises a fuselage.

In a feature, the UAV comprises rotocraft.

In a feature, the UAV comprises quadcopter.

In a feature, the UAV comprises a hybrid aircraft including both a fixedwing, and a rotor providing lift.

In a feature, the one or more external walls comprise a plurality ofplanar walls, wherein a first of the planar walls comprises the firstelectrode and a second of the planar walls comprise the secondelectrode. The first electrode may be commensurate in extent with anexternal surface of the first planar wall, and the second electrode maybe commensurate in extent with an external surface of the second planarwall. Additionally, the first electrode may be contained within thefirst planar wall and the second electrode may be contained within thesecond planar wall.

In a feature, the one or more external walls comprise a plurality ofcurved walls, wherein a first of the curved walls comprises the firstelectrode and a second of the curved walls comprises the secondelectrode. Furthermore, the first electrode may be commensurate with anexternal surface of the first planar wall, and the second electrodeextends may be commensurate with an external surface of the secondplanar wall. Also, the first electrode may be contained within the firstcurved wall and the second electrode is contained within the secondcurved wall.

In another feature, the one or more external walls comprise a pluralityof surfaces, wherein the first electrode comprises a first of thesurfaces and the second electrode comprises a second of the surfaces.The first and second surfaces may be planar surfaces, curved surfaces,or a combination of both.

In a feature, a housing, casing, or chassis comprises the first andsecond surfaces.

In a feature, one or more wings comprise the first and second surfaces.

In a feature, one or more air foils comprise the first and secondsurfaces.

In a feature, the fuselage comprises the first and second surfaces.

In another aspect, a UAV comprises: (a) an external enclosure includingone or more external walls; (b) a power supply configured to generateelectric power from a differential in electric field strength when theUAV is within a vicinity of powerlines, the power supply comprisingfirst, second, and third electrodes; (c) wherein the one or moreexternal walls comprise the first, second, and third electrodes; and (d)wherein the first, second, and third electrodes are separated andelectrically insulated from each other for enabling (i) a differentialin voltage at the first and second electrodes resulting from adifferential in electric field strength experienced at the first andsecond electrodes when the UAV is within the vicinity of the powerlines;(ii) a differential in voltage at the first and third electrodesresulting from a differential in electric field strength experienced atthe first and third electrodes when the UAV is within the vicinity ofthe powerlines; and (iii) a differential in voltage at the second andthird electrodes resulting from a differential in electric fieldstrength experienced at the second and third electrodes when the UAV iswithin the vicinity of the powerlines. Furthermore, the UAV furthercomprises electrical components electrically connected with the first,second, and third electrodes and configurable to establish, in thealternative, each of (i) a first electric circuit, wherein adifferential in voltage between the first and second electrodes causeselectric current to flow through the electric circuit for powering theUAV; (ii) a second electric circuit, wherein a differential in voltagebetween the first and third electrodes causes electric current to flowthrough the electric circuit for powering the UAV; and (iii) a thirdelectric circuit, wherein a differential in voltage between the secondand third electrodes causes electric current to flow through theelectric circuit for powering the UAV. The UAV also further comprisesone or more voltage-detector components configured to detect voltages ofthe first, second, and third electrodes; and a controller configured toprocess the detected voltages data and to configure one or more of theelectrical components based thereon and based on voltage and electriccurrent specifications for powering the UAV, in order to establish oneof the first electric circuit, the second electric circuit, and thethird electric circuit for powering the UAV.

In a feature, the controller comprises a processor, a microcontroller,or an integrated circuit such as an application-specific integratedcircuit (ASIC).

In a feature, the controller comprises software executable by theprocessor and non-transitory computer-readable memory.

In another aspect, a UAV comprises: (a) an external enclosure includingone or more external walls; (b) a power supply configured to generateelectric power from a differential in electric field strength when theUAV is within a vicinity of powerlines, the power supply comprising aplurality of separated electrodes, wherein the one or more externalwalls comprise one or more of the plurality of electrodes; (c)electrical components electrically connected with the plurality ofelectrodes, at least one or more of the electrical components beingconfigurable to establish each of a plurality of different electriccircuits, each of the different electric circuits comprising a set oftwo or more mutually exclusive subsets of the plurality of electrodes,the electrodes in each subset that have more than one electrode beingelectrically connected with each other for avoiding a voltagedifferential therebetween, and the one or more electrodes of each subsetbeing electrically insulated from each electrode of any other subset ofthe set for enabling one or more voltage differentials between thesubsets of the set resulting from a differential in electric fieldstrength experienced when the UAV is within the vicinity of thepowerlines, wherein the subsets of the set are interconnected such thatthe one or more voltage differentials between the subsets causes acurrent to flow through the electric circuit of the set for powering theUAV; (d) one or more sensors configured to sense data regarding voltagedifferentials of the sets; and (e) a controller configured to processthe sensed data and based thereon and based on voltage and electriccurrent specifications for powering the UAV, configure one or more ofthe electrical components to establish one of the plurality of differentelectric circuits for powering the UAV.

In another aspect, a UAV in which electric power is generated within avicinity of powerlines comprises: (a) an electrode; (b) an interfaceconfigured to engage in electrical contact a shield wire of thepowerlines so as to define an electrical pathway to ground resulting involtage differentials between the electrode and the shield wire; and (c)electrical components electrically connected with the electrode and theinterface for causing a current to flow between the electrode and theshield wire for powering an electrical load as the electrode experienceselectric field strengths of the powerlines.

In a feature, the interface is tethered to the UAV and is dragged alongthe shield wire behind the UAV as the UAV travels along the powerlines.

In another aspect, a UAV in which electric power is generated within avicinity of powerlines comprises: (a) a plurality of electrodes; (b) aninterface configured to engage in electrical contact a shield wire ofthe powerlines so as to define an electrical pathway to ground resultingin voltage differentials between the plurality of electrodes and theshield wire; and (c) electrical components electrically connected withthe plurality of electrodes and with the interface and configurable forcausing a current to flow between, in the alternative, (i) each ofdifferent subsets of the plurality of the electrodes and (ii) the shieldwire, whereby the electrical load is powered as the plurality ofelectrodes experiences electric field strengths of the powerlines.

In a feature, the UAV further comprises a control assembly configured todetect voltage differentials between each of the electrodes and theshield wire, and to configure the one or more electrical components ofthe UAV to cause a current to flow between the one or more electrodesand the shield wire based on the detected voltage differentials andbased on voltage and current specifications of the electrical load ofthe UAV to be powered.

In a feature, two or more of the electrodes are connected in series.

In a feature, a plurality of the subsets of electrodes are electricallyconnected so as to form a plurality of capacitors arranged in parallelin at least one of the plurality of different electric circuits.

In a feature, a subset comprises electrodes arranged in parallel in atleast one of the plurality of different electric circuits.

In a feature, the UAV further comprises a battery by which the controlassembly is powered. The battery may power only the control assembly;the battery may not power the electrical load of the UAV; and thebattery may be rechargeable, and the electrical load of the UAV maycomprise a rechargeable battery for charging a battery of the controlassembly.

In a feature, the voltage and electric current specifications of theelectrical load are stored in a non-transitory computer-readable mediumof the UAV for access by the processor.

In a feature, the control assembly continually configures the one ormore electrical components on a recurring basis as the UAV flies withinthe vicinity of the powerlines along and over the shield wire.

In a feature, the UAV further comprises a rechargeable battery forpowering the UAV when the interface is out of electrical contact withthe shield wire while flying along the powerlines.

In a feature, the UAV further comprises a rechargeable battery forpowering the UAV when the UAV flies outside of the vicinity of thepowerlines.

In another aspect, a UAV in which electric power is generated for anelectrical load from one or more differentials in electric fieldstrength in a vicinity of powerlines comprises: (a) a plurality ofseparated electrodes; (b) an interface configured to engage inelectrical contact a shield wire of the powerlines so as to define anelectrical pathway to ground; (c) electrical components electricallyconnected with the plurality of electrodes, (i) at least one or more ofthe electrical components being configurable to establish each of aplurality of different electric circuits, each of the different electriccircuits comprising a set of two or more mutually exclusive subsets ofthe plurality of electrodes, the electrodes in each subset that havemore than one electrode being electrically connected with each other foravoiding a voltage differential therebetween, and the one or moreelectrodes of each subset being electrically insulated from eachelectrode of any other subset of the set for enabling one or morevoltage differentials between the subsets of the set resulting from adifferential in electric field strength experienced when the UAV iswithin the vicinity of the powerlines, wherein the subsets of the setare interconnected such that the one or more voltage differentialsbetween the subsets causes a current to flow through the electriccircuit of the set for powering the electrical load; and (ii) at leastone or more of the electrical components being configurable to cause acurrent to flow between one or more of the electrodes and the shieldwire for powering the electrical load of the UAV; and (d) a controlassembly comprising (i)one or more voltage-detector componentsconfigured to detect voltage differentials of the sets; and (ii) aprocessor enabled to process the detected voltage differentialsand—based thereon and based on voltage and electric currentspecifications for powering the electrical load—configure one or more ofthe electrical components in order to establish one of the plurality ofdifferent electric circuits for powering the electrical load and cause acurrent to flow between one or more of the electrodes and the shieldwire for powering the electrical load of the UAV.

In a feature, the processor of the control assembly is further enabledto shunt current in an established electric circuit.

In another aspect, a UAV in which electric power is generated for anelectrical load from one or more differentials in electric fieldstrength in a vicinity of powerlines comprises: (a) a plurality ofseparated electrodes; (b) electrical components electrically connectedwith the plurality of electrodes, at least one or more of the electricalcomponents being configurable to establish each of a plurality ofdifferent electric circuits, each of the different electric circuitscomprising a set of two or more mutually exclusive subsets of theplurality of electrodes, the electrodes in each subset that have morethan one electrode being electrically connected with each other foravoiding a voltage differential therebetween, and the one or moreelectrodes of each subset being electrically insulated from eachelectrode of any other subset of the set for enabling one or morevoltage differentials between the subsets of the set resulting from adifferential in electric field strength experienced when the UAV iswithin the vicinity of the powerlines, wherein the subsets of the setare interconnected such that the one or more voltage differentialsbetween the subsets causes a current to flow through the electriccircuit of the set for powering the electrical load; and (c) a controlassembly comprising (i) one or more voltage-detector componentsconfigured to detect voltage differentials of the sets; and (ii) aprocessor enabled to process the detected voltage differentialsand—based thereon and based on voltage and electric currentspecifications for powering the electrical load—configure one or more ofthe electrical components in order to establish one of the plurality ofdifferent electric circuits for powering the electrical load.

In a feature, the electrodes of the plurality of electrodes aresymmetrically arranged about an axis of the UAV.

In a feature, the electrodes of the plurality of electrodes aresymmetrically arranged about a center of the UAV.

In a feature, the electrodes are encased in a nonmetallic material.

In a feature, the electrodes are encased in a molded material.

In a feature, the electrodes are encased in a nonconducting polymermaterial.

In a feature, the electrodes are encased in a nonconducting plasticmaterial. The plastic material may be a nonconducting thermoplasticmaterial or a nonconducting thermosetting material.

In a feature, the plurality of electrodes is located in a blockarrangement and define walls of the block.

In a feature, the electrodes each comprises a planar rectangularsurface.

In a feature, the electrodes define inner surfaces of a block.

In a feature, the electrodes define outer surfaces of a block.

In a feature, the plurality of electrodes is located in an arrangementof nested blocks and defines walls of the blocks.

In a feature, the control assembly is located within an innermost blockof nested blocks.

In a feature, the plurality of electrodes is located in a sphericalarrangement and define wall of a sphere.

In a feature, the electrodes each comprises a planar surface.

In a feature, the electrodes each comprises a curved surface.

In a feature, the electrodes define an inner surface of a sphere.

In a feature, each electrode comprises a concave surface.

In a feature, the electrodes define an outer surface of a sphere.

In a feature, each electrode comprises a convex surface.

In a feature, a first pair of electrodes is located along a first axis,a second pair of electrodes is located along a second axis orthogonal tothe first axis, and a third pair of electrodes is located along a thirdaxis orthogonal to each of the first axis and the second axis. Thefirst, second, and third pairs of electrodes may be arranged in a“jacks” formation; the first, second, and third axes may intersect at anorigin point; and the origin point may represent a midpoint between theelectrodes of the first pair, may represent a midpoint between theelectrodes of the second pair; and may represent a midpoint between theelectrodes of the third pair. Additionally, the electrodes of the firstpair may be located a first distance apart; the electrodes of the secondpair may be located a second distance apart; the electrodes of the thirdpair may be located a third distance apart; and the first, second, andthird distances may or may not be equal in length. Moreover, eachelectrode of the first pair may be hemispheric or planar in shape.

In another feature, the plurality of electrodes is located in anarrangement of concentric spheres and defines walls of the spheres, andthe control assembly may be located within an innermost sphere.

In an aspect of the invention, a method for providing power to a UAV,wherein the UAV comprises first and second electrodes that are separatedand electrically insulated from each other for enabling a differentialin voltage at the first and second electrodes resulting from adifferential in electric field strength experienced at the first andsecond electrodes, the method comprising the steps of: (a) positioningthe UAV within a vicinity of powerlines such that the first and secondelectrodes experience a differential in electric field strength at thefirst and second electrodes; and (b) establishing a circuit includingthe first and second electrodes such that an electric current flowsthrough the circuit for powering an electrical load of the UAV.

In a feature, the step of establishing the circuit comprises configuringin one of a plurality of different arrangements a plurality ofelectric-field shielded capacitors forming part of the electric circuitfor powering the electrical load of the electric circuit, each of thedifferent arrangements providing a different overall capacitance to theelectric circuit. One of the different arrangements of theelectric-field shielded capacitors may comprise capacitors arranged inseries; another one of the different arrangements of the electric-fieldshielded capacitors may comprise capacitors arranged in parallel; andanother one of the different arrangements of the electric-field shieldedcapacitors may comprise capacitors arranged in both series and parallel.

In a feature, the powerlines carry alternating electric current.

In a feature, the step of positioning the UAV comprises flying the UAVwithin the vicinity of the powerlines.

In a feature, the step of positioning the UAV comprises landing the UAVwithin the vicinity of the powerlines.

In a feature, the step of establishing the circuit comprises actuating aswitch to close the circuit when the UAV is within the vicinity of thepowerlines.

In a feature, the electrical load comprises a rechargeable battery ofthe UAV.

In a feature, the electrical load comprises a propulsion system of theUAV.

In a feature, the electrical load comprises a navigation system of theUAV.

In a feature, the electrical load comprises an electric motor of theUAV.

In a feature, the electrical load comprises a camera of the UAV.

In a feature, the electrical load comprises a transceiver of the UAV.

In another aspect, a method for generating electric power for anelectrical load from a differential in electric field strength within avicinity of powerlines comprises the steps of: (a) providing a UAVhaving first, second, and third electrodes; (b) positioning the UAVwithin the vicinity of powerlines such that the first, second, and thirdelectrodes experience differentials in electric field strength withresulting differentials in voltage at two or more of the first, second,and third electrodes; (c) detecting relative voltages at the first,second, and third electrodes; and (d) establishing a particular one of aplurality of mutually exclusive electric circuits each comprising a pairof electrodes, the plurality of mutually exclusive electric circuitscomprising (i) a first electric circuit, in which the first electrodeand the second electrode are separated and electrically insulated fromeach other for enabling a differential in voltage at the first andsecond electrodes resulting from a differential in electric fieldstrength experienced at the first and second electrodes when within thevicinity of the powerlines, the differential in voltage between thefirst electrode and the second electrode causing a current to flowthrough the first electric circuit for powering the electrical load;(ii) a second electric circuit, in which the first electrode and thethird electrode are separated and electrically insulated from each otherfor enabling a differential in voltage at the first and third electrodesresulting from a differential in electric field strength experienced atthe first and third electrodes when within the vicinity of thepowerlines, the differential in voltage between the first electrode andthe third electrode causing a current to flow through the secondelectric circuit for powering the electrical load; and (iii) a thirdelectric circuit, in which the second electrode and the third electrodeare separated and electrically insulated from each other for enabling adifferential in voltage at the second and third electrodes resultingfrom a differential in electric field strength experienced at the secondand third electrodes when within the vicinity of the powerlines, thedifferential in voltage between the second electrode and the thirdelectrode causing a current to flow through the third electric circuitfor powering the electrical load; (e) wherein the particular one of theplurality of mutually exclusive electric circuits is established as afunction of the detected voltages and based on voltage and electriccurrent specifications for powering the electrical load.

In a feature, a processor is enabled to configure each of the pluralityof mutually exclusive electric circuits as a function of the detectedvoltages and of the voltage and electric current specifications forpowering the electrical load.

In a feature, the method further comprises again detecting voltagedifferentials at the subsets of the plurality of electrodes and—as afunction thereof and of the voltage and electric current specificationsfor powering the electrical load—establishing another particular one ofthe plurality of different electric circuits.

In a feature, the method further comprises again detecting voltagedifferentials at the subsets of the plurality of electrodes when movingthe subsets of the plurality of electrodes while in the vicinity of thepowerlines and—as a function thereof and of the voltage and electriccurrent specifications for powering the electrical load—establishinganother particular one of the plurality of different electric circuits.

In another aspect, a method for generating electric power for anelectrical load of a UAV from one or more differentials in electricfield strength within a vicinity of powerlines, the UAV having aplurality of separated electrodes within the vicinity of powerlines,comprises the steps of: (a) positioning the UAV within the vicinity ofpowerlines such that the plurality of separated electrodes experiencedifferentials in electric field strength with resulting differentials involtage at the electrodes; and (b) establishing a particular one of aplurality of different electric circuits, each of the different electriccircuits comprising a set of two or more mutually exclusive subsets ofthe plurality of electrodes, the electrodes in each subset that havemore than one electrode being electrically connected with each other foravoiding any voltage differential therebetween, and the one or moreelectrodes of each subset being electrically insulated from eachelectrode of any other subset of the set for enabling one or morevoltage differentials between the subsets of the set, wherein thesubsets are interconnected in each electric circuit such that the one ormore voltage differentials therebetween causes a current to flow throughthe electric circuit for powering the electrical load; and (c) furthercomprising detecting voltage differentials of the sets, wherein theparticular one of the plurality of different electric circuits isestablished as a function of the detected voltage differentials andelectric current specifications for powering the electrical load.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further comprises againdetecting voltage differentials at the subsets of the plurality ofelectrodes and—as a function thereof and of the voltage and electriccurrent specifications for powering the electrical load—establishinganother particular one of the plurality of different electric circuits.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further comprises againdetecting voltage differentials at the subsets of the plurality ofelectrodes while flying the UAV along the powerlines and—as a functionthereof and of the voltage and electric current specifications forpowering the electrical load—establishing another particular one of theplurality of different electric circuits.

In another aspect, a method for powering a UAV comprises the steps of:(a) providing a power supply unit adapted to generate electric powerfrom a differential in electric field strength within a vicinity ofpowerlines, the power supply unit comprising (i) a first electrodehaving at least two overall substantial dimensions, a first of which isat least 80% of at least one of an overall heightwise extent, an overalllengthwise extent, and an overall widthwise extent of the UAV, and asecond of which is at least 80% of at least one of the overallheightwise extent, the overall lengthwise extent, and the overallwidthwise extent of the UAV; and (ii) a second electrode having at leasttwo overall substantial dimensions, a first of which is at least 80% ofat least one of the overall heightwise extent, the overall lengthwiseextent, and the overall widthwise extent of the UAV, and a second ofwhich is at least 80% of at least one of the overall heightwise extent,the overall lengthwise extent, and the overall widthwise extent of theUAV; (iii) wherein the first and second electrodes are separated andelectrically insulated from each other for enabling a differential involtage at the first and second electrodes resulting from a differentialin electric field strength experienced at the first and secondelectrodes when within the vicinity of the powerlines; (b) electricallycoupling the power supply unit with the UAV, comprising inserting thepower supply unit into a bay of the UAV, whereby electrical componentsof the power supply electrically connected with the first and secondelectrodes establish an electric circuit with one or more electricalcomponents of the UAV through the electrical coupling; and (c) locatingthe UAV within the vicinity of powerlines such that a differential involtage between the first and second electrodes causes electric currentto flow through the electric circuit for powering the UAV.

In an aspect, a method for powering a UAV, comprises the steps of: (a)providing a power supply unit adapted to generate electric power from adifferential in electric field strength within a vicinity of powerlines;(b) electrically coupling the power supply unit with the UAV, comprisinginserting the power supply unit into a bay of the UAV, wherebyelectrical components electrically connected with the first, second, andthird electrodes are configurable to establish, through the electricalcoupling, a particular one of a plurality of mutually exclusive electriccircuits each comprising a pair of electrodes, the plurality of mutuallyexclusive electric circuits comprising (i) a first electric circuit, inwhich the first electrode and the second electrode are separated andelectrically insulated from each other for enabling a differential involtage at the first and second electrodes resulting from a differentialin electric field strength experienced at the first and secondelectrodes when within the vicinity of the powerlines, the differentialin voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode causinga current to flow through the first electric circuit for powering theUAV; (ii) a second electric circuit, in which the first electrode andthe third electrode are separated and electrically insulated from eachother for enabling a differential in voltage at the first and thirdelectrodes resulting from a differential in electric field strengthexperienced at the first and third electrodes when within the vicinityof the powerlines, the differential in voltage between the firstelectrode and the third electrode causing a current to flow through thesecond electric circuit for powering the UAV; and (iii) a third electriccircuit, in which the second electrode and the third electrode areseparated and electrically insulated from each other for enabling adifferential in voltage at the second and third electrodes resultingfrom a differential in electric field strength experienced at the secondand third electrodes when within the vicinity of the powerlines, thedifferential in voltage between the second electrode and the thirdelectrode causing a current to flow through the third electric circuitfor powering the UAV; and (c) locating the UAV within the vicinity ofpowerlines whereby a differential in voltage exists between at least twoof the first, second, and third electrodes; (d) sensing data regardingvoltage at the first, second, and third electrodes; (e) and based on thesensed voltage data and based on voltage and electric currentspecifications for powering the electrical load, establishing aparticular one of a plurality of mutually exclusive electric circuitswhereby electric current flows therethrough for powering the UAV.

In another aspect, a method for powering a UAV comprises the steps of:(a) providing a power supply unit adapted to generate electric powerfrom differentials in electric field strength experienced within avicinity of powerlines, the power supply unit comprising a plurality ofseparated electrodes; (b) electrically coupling the power supply unitwith the UAV, comprising inserting the power supply unit into a bay ofthe UAV whereby electrical components electrically connected with theplurality of electrodes are configurable to establish, through theelectrical coupling, a particular one of a plurality of plurality ofdifferent electric circuits, each of the different electric circuitscomprising a set of two or more mutually exclusive subsets of theplurality of electrodes, the electrodes in each subset that have morethan one electrode being electrically connected with each other foravoiding a voltage differential therebetween, and the one or moreelectrodes of each subset being electrically insulated from eachelectrode of any other subset of the set for enabling one or morevoltage differentials between the subsets of the set, wherein thesubsets are interconnected in each electric circuit such that the one ormore voltage differentials between the subsets causes a current to flowthrough the circuit for powering the UAV; (c) locating the UAV withinthe vicinity of powerlines whereby a differential in voltage existsbetween subsets of the plurality of electrodes; (d) sensing dataregarding voltage differentials of the sets; and (e) based on the sensedvoltage differentials and based on voltage and electric currentspecifications for powering the UAV, establishing a particular one ofthe plurality of different electric circuits whereby electric currentflows therethrough for powering the UAV.

In another aspect, a method for powering a UAV from one or moredifferentials in electric field strength within a vicinity of powerlinescomprises the steps of: (a) providing a UAV comprising (i) an externalenclosure including one or more external walls; (ii) a power supplyconfigured to generate electric power from a differential in electricfield strength when the UAV is within a vicinity of powerlines, thepower supply comprising first and second electrodes; (iii) wherein theone or more external walls comprise the first and second electrodes; and(iv) wherein the first and second electrodes are separated andelectrically insulated from each other for enabling a differential involtage at the first and second electrodes resulting from a differentialin electric field strength experienced at the first and secondelectrodes when the UAV is within the vicinity of the powerlines; and(v) further comprising electrical components electrically connected withthe first and second electrodes that establish an electric circuit,wherein a differential in voltage between the first and secondelectrodes causes electric current to flow through the electric circuitfor powering the UAV; and (b) positioning the UAV within the vicinity ofpowerlines such that a differential in electric field strengthexperienced at the first and second electrodes creates a differential involtage between the first and second electrodes and causes electriccurrent to flow through the electric circuit and powers the UAV.

In a feature of this aspect, the step of positioning comprises at leastone of rotating or translating the UAV while in the vicinity of thepowerlines for altering the voltage differential between the first andsecond electrodes. Furthermore, the method may also further comprisedetecting the voltage differential and ceasing the positioning when aparticular voltage differential exists; the particular voltagedifferential may be determined as a function of voltage and currentspecifications for powering the UAV.

In another aspect, a method for powering a UAV from one or moredifferentials in electric field strength within a vicinity of powerlinescomprises the steps of: (a) providing a UAV comprising (i) an externalenclosure including one or more external walls; (ii) a power supplyconfigured to generate electric power from a differential in electricfield strength when the UAV is within a vicinity of powerlines, thepower supply comprising first, second, and third electrodes that areseparated and electrically insulated from each other for enabling (A) adifferential in voltage at the first and second electrodes resultingfrom a differential in electric field strength experienced at the firstand second electrodes when the UAV is within the vicinity of thepowerlines; (B) a differential in voltage at the first and thirdelectrodes resulting from a differential in electric field strengthexperienced at the first and third electrodes when the UAV is within thevicinity of the powerlines; and (C) a differential in voltage at thesecond and third electrodes resulting from a differential in electricfield strength experienced at the second and third electrodes when theUAV is within the vicinity of the powerlines; and (ii)electricalcomponents electrically connected with the first, second, and thirdelectrodes and configurable to establish, in the alternative, each of(A) a first electric circuit, wherein a differential in voltage betweenthe first and second electrodes causes electric current to flow throughthe electric circuit for powering the UAV; (B) a second electriccircuit, wherein a differential in voltage between the first and thirdelectrodes causes electric current to flow through the electric circuitfor powering the UAV; and (C) a third electric circuit, wherein adifferential in voltage between the second and third electrodes causeselectric current to flow through the electric circuit for powering theUAV; (b) locating the UAV within the vicinity of powerlines whereby adifferential in voltage exists between at least two of the first,second, and third electrodes; (c) detecting relative voltages at thefirst, second, and third electrodes; and (d) and based on the detectedvoltages and based on voltage and electric current specifications forpowering the electrical load, configuring the electrical components toestablish a particular one of the first, second, and third electriccircuits such that electric current flows therethrough for powering theUAV.

In another aspect, a method for powering a UAV from one or moredifferentials in electric field strength within a vicinity of powerlinescomprises the steps of: (a) providing a UAV comprising (i) an externalenclosure including one or more external walls; (ii) a power supplyconfigured to generate electric power from a differential in electricfield strength when the UAV is within a vicinity of powerlines, thepower supply comprising plurality of separated electrodes, wherein theone or more external walls comprise one or more of the plurality ofelectrodes; (iii) electrical components electrically connected with theplurality of electrodes, at least one or more of the electricalcomponents being configurable to establish each of a plurality ofdifferent electric circuits, each of the different electric circuitscomprising a set of two or more mutually exclusive subsets of theplurality of electrodes, the electrodes in each subset that have morethan one electrode being electrically connected with each other foravoiding a voltage differential therebetween, and the one or moreelectrodes of each subset being electrically insulated from eachelectrode of any other subset of the set for enabling one or morevoltage differentials between the subsets of the set resulting from adifferential in electric field strength experienced when the UAV iswithin the vicinity of the powerlines, wherein the subsets of the setare interconnected such that the one or more voltage differentialsbetween the subsets causes a current to flow through the electriccircuit of the set for powering the UAV; (b) locating the UAV within thevicinity of powerlines whereby a differential in voltage exists betweenat least two of the first, second, and third electrodes; (c) detectingvoltage differentials of the sets; and (d) based on the detected voltagedifferentials of the sets and based on voltage and electric currentspecifications for powering the UAV, configuring one or more of theelectrical components to establish one of the plurality of differentelectric circuits for powering the UAV.

In an aspect of the invention, a charging station for charging of a UAVwithin a vicinity of powerlines comprises: (a) an interface for electriccoupling with the UAV for charging of a rechargeable battery of the UAV;(b) a power supply comprising first and second electrodes separated andelectrically insulated from each other for enabling a differential involtage at the first and second electrodes resulting from a differentialin electric field strength experienced at the first and secondelectrodes when within the vicinity of the powerlines; and (c)electrical components electrically connected with the first and secondelectrodes and configured to establish a circuit with the rechargeablebattery of the UAV when electronically coupled with the interface,wherein the differential in voltage between the first and secondelectrodes causes electric current to flow through the electric circuitfor charging the battery of the UAV.

In a feature of this aspect, the charging station is mounted to asupport structure of the powerlines.

In another feature, the charging station is mounted to a tower of thepowerlines.

In a feature, the charging station further comprises a platform forlanding of a UAV for charging.

In a feature, the charging station further comprises one or moreplatforms for supporting multiple UAVs for charging.

In a feature, the interface projects outwardly from the power supply andis configured to couple with a UAV for charging while the UAV ishovering.

In another aspect, a charging station for charging, within a vicinity ofpowerlines, UAVs having rechargeable batteries with different voltageand current specifications, comprises: (a) a plurality of differentinterfaces each for electric coupling with a UAV for charging of arechargeable battery of the UAV, each different interface correspondingto different voltage and current specifications; (b) a power supplycomprising a plurality of electrodes and electrical componentselectrically connected with the plurality of electrodes and configurableto establish each of a plurality of electric circuits, each of theelectric circuits comprising one of the plurality of the interfaces anda set of two or more mutually exclusive subsets of the plurality ofelectrodes, the electrodes in each subset that have more than oneelectrode being electrically connected with each other for avoiding anyvoltage differential therebetween, and the one or more electrodes ofeach subset being electrically insulated from each electrode of anyother subset of the set for enabling one or more voltage differentialsbetween the subsets of the set, wherein the subsets are interconnectedin each particular electric circuit such that the one or more voltagedifferentials therebetween causes a current to flow through theparticular electric circuit for charging through the interface therechargeable battery; and (c) a control assembly comprising a processorenabled to configure one or more of the electrical components toestablish a particular one of the electric circuits based on the voltageand current specifications of the interface with which a UAV iselectrically coupled for charging, whereby the charging station is ableto charge UAVs having rechargeable batteries with different voltage andcurrent specifications.

In another aspect, a charging station for charging within a vicinity ofpowerlines UAVs having a rechargeable battery comprises: (a) aninterface for electric coupling with a UAV for charging of arechargeable battery thereof; (b) a power supply comprising a pluralityof electrodes and electrical components electrically connected with theplurality of electrodes and configurable to establish each of aplurality of electric circuits, each of the electric circuits comprisingthe interface and a set of two or more mutually exclusive subsets of theplurality of electrodes, the electrodes in each subset that have morethan one electrode being electrically connected with each other foravoiding any voltage differential therebetween, and the one or moreelectrodes of each subset being electrically insulated from eachelectrode of any other subset of the set for enabling one or morevoltage differentials between the subsets of the set, wherein thesubsets are interconnected in each particular electric circuit such thatthe one or more voltage differentials therebetween causes a current toflow through the particular electric circuit for charging through theinterface the rechargeable battery; and (c) a control assemblycomprising a processor enabled to configure one or more of theelectrical components to establish a particular one of the electriccircuits based on the voltage and current specifications of therechargeable battery; whereby the charging station is able to chargeUAVs having rechargeable batteries with different voltage and currentspecifications.

In a feature, the charging station further comprises a transceiver bywhich the control assembly receives from the UAV information identifyingto the charging station the voltage and current specifications of therechargeable battery of the UAV to be charged.

In a feature, the charging station further comprises a sensoroperatively connected with the control assembly for identifying thevoltage and current specifications of the rechargeable battery of theUAV to be charged. The sensor may comprise a camera, a barcode scanner,an RFID reader, and combinations thereof.

In another aspect, a charging station for charging of a UAV within avicinity of powerlines comprises: an interface for electric couplingwith the UAV for charging of a rechargeable battery of the UAV, theinterface comprising two terminals; a power supply comprising a set ofone or more electrodes; and electrical components electrically connectedwith the set and configured to establish an electrical pathway from oneor more of the electrodes of the set and one of the two terminals of theinterface, wherein the other of the terminals of the interface isconnected to an electrical pathway to ground, whereby a differential involtage between the set and ground causes an electric current to flowfor charging the battery of the UAV when a UAV is electrically coupledwith the interface.

In a feature, the charging station is mounted to a support structure ofthe powerlines and the electrical pathway to ground comprises anelectrical connection to a ground of the support structure.

In another feature, the charging station is mounted to a supportstructure of the powerlines and the electrical pathway to groundcomprises an electrical connection to a shield wire.

In another aspect, a charging station for charging of a UAV within avicinity of powerlines comprises: (a) an interface for electric couplingwith the UAV for charging of a rechargeable battery of the UAV, theinterface comprising two terminals; (b) a power supply comprising a setof one or more electrodes; and (c) electrical components electricallyconnected with the set and configured to establish an electric pathwayfrom one or more of the electrodes of the set and one of the twoterminals of the interface, wherein the other of the terminals of theinterface is connected to an electric pathway to ground, whereby adifferential in voltage between the set and ground causes an electriccurrent to flow for charging the battery of the UAV when a UAV iselectrically coupled with the interface.

In a feature, the charging station is mounted to a support structure ofthe powerlines and the electric pathway to ground comprises anelectrical connection to a ground of the support structure.

In another aspect, a power strip for powering a device within a vicinityof powerlines comprises: (a) a housing having an outlet for receiving aplug of a device for powering of the device, the outlet comprising twoterminals; (b) a set of one or more electrodes contained within thehousing; and (c) electrical components contained within the housing andelectrically connected with the set and configured to establish anelectric pathway from one or more of the electrodes of the set and oneof the two terminals of the outlet, wherein the other of the terminalsof the outlet is connected to an electric pathway to ground, whereby adifferential in voltage between the set and ground causes an electriccurrent to flow for powering an object when plugged into the outlet andelectrically coupled with the one or more electrodes of the set andground.

In a feature, the power strip is mounted to a support structure of thepowerlines and the electric pathway to ground comprises an electricalconnection to a ground of the support structure.

In a feature, the power strip is mounted to a support structure of thepowerlines and the electric pathway to ground comprises an electricalconnection to a shield wire.

In a feature, the housing comprises a plurality of outlets each havingtwo terminals, and wherein the electrical components are furtherconfigured to establish an electric pathway from one or more of theelectrodes of the set and one of the two terminals of each outlet,wherein the other of the terminals of each outlet is connected to anelectric pathway to ground, whereby a differential in voltage betweenthe set and ground causes an electric current to flow for powering anobject when a plug of the object is electrically coupled with one of theoutlets. Each outlet preferably has a different physical configurationfor receiving a plug of a device, with each different configurationcorresponding to a different voltage and current specification.

In another aspect, a method of a charging a UAV within a vicinity ofpowerlines comprises the steps of: (a) providing a charging stationcomprising: (i) an interface for electric coupling with the UAV forcharging of a rechargeable battery of the UAV; (ii) a power supplycomprising first and second electrodes separated and electricallyinsulated from each other for enabling a differential in voltage at thefirst and second electrodes resulting from a differential in electricfield strength experienced at the first and second electrodes whenwithin the vicinity of the powerlines; and (iii) electrical componentselectrically connected with the first and second electrodes andconfigured to establish a circuit with the rechargeable battery of theUAV when electronically coupled with the interface; (b) locating thecharging station within the vicinity of powerlines such that adifferential in electric field strength is experienced at the first andsecond electrodes with a resulting voltage differential between thefirst and second electrodes; and (c) electrically coupling the interfacewith the UAV, wherein the differential in voltage between the first andsecond electrodes causes electric current to flow through the electriccircuit for charging the rechargeable battery of the UAV.

In a feature, the step of locating the charging station within thevicinity of powerlines comprises mounting the charging station to asupport structure of the powerlines.

In a feature, the step of locating the charging station within thevicinity of powerlines comprises mounting the charging station to atower of the powerlines.

In a feature, the charging station comprises a platform for landing of aUAV for charging.

In a feature, the step of electrically coupling the interface with theUAV comprises electrically coupling the interface with the UAV while theUAV is hovering.

In another aspect, a method of charging within a vicinity of powerlinesUAVs having rechargeable batteries with different voltage and currentspecifications comprises: (a) providing a charging station comprising(i) a plurality of different interfaces each for electric coupling witha UAV for charging of a rechargeable battery of the UAV, each differentinterface corresponding to different voltage and current specifications;(ii) a power supply comprising a plurality of electrodes and electricalcomponents electrically connected with the plurality of electrodes andconfigurable to establish each of a plurality of electric circuits, eachof the electric circuits comprising one of the plurality of interfacesand a set of two or more mutually exclusive subsets of the plurality ofelectrodes, the electrodes in each subset that have more than oneelectrode being electrically connected with each other for avoiding anyvoltage differential therebetween, and the one or more electrodes ofeach subset being electrically insulated from each electrode of anyother subset of the set for enabling one or more voltage differentialsbetween the subsets of the set, wherein the subsets are interconnectedin each particular electric circuit such that the one or more voltagedifferentials therebetween causes a current to flow through theparticular electric circuit for charging through the interface therechargeable battery; and (iii) a control assembly comprising aprocessor enabled to configure one or more of the electrical componentsto establish a particular one of the electric circuits based on thevoltage and current specifications of the interface with which a UAV iselectrically coupled for charging; (b) locating the charging stationwithin the vicinity of powerlines such that a differential in electricfield strength is experienced at the plurality of electrodes withresulting voltage differentials; (c) electrically coupling a particularone of the interfaces with a UAV; and (d) establishing a particular oneof the electric circuits based on the voltage and current specificationsof the interface with which a UAV is electrically coupled for charging,wherein a voltage differential in the particular electric circuit causeselectric current to flow through the electric circuit for charging therechargeable battery of the UAV, whereby UAVs having rechargeablebatteries with different voltage and current specifications can becharged.

In another aspect, a method of charging within a vicinity of powerlinesUAVs having rechargeable batteries with different voltage and currentspecifications comprises: (a) providing a charging station comprising(i) an interface for electric coupling with a UAV for charging of arechargeable battery thereof, each different interface corresponding todifferent voltage and current specifications; (ii) a power supplycomprising a plurality of electrodes and electrical componentselectrically connected with the plurality of electrodes and configurableto establish each of a plurality of electric circuits, each of theelectric circuits comprising the interface and a set of two or moremutually exclusive subsets of the plurality of electrodes, theelectrodes in each subset that have more than one electrode beingelectrically connected with each other for avoiding any voltagedifferential therebetween, and the one or more electrodes of each subsetbeing electrically insulated from each electrode of any other subset ofthe set for enabling one or more voltage differentials between thesubsets of the set, wherein the subsets are interconnected in eachparticular electric circuit such that the one or more voltagedifferentials therebetween causes a current to flow through theparticular electric circuit for charging through the interface therechargeable battery; and (iii) a control assembly comprising aprocessor enabled to configure one or more of the electrical componentsto establish a particular one of the electric circuits based on thevoltage and current specifications of the interface with which a UAV iselectrically coupled for charging; (b) locating the charging stationwithin the vicinity of powerlines such that a differential in electricfield strength is experienced at the plurality of electrodes withresulting voltage differentials; (c) electrically coupling a particularone of the interfaces with a UAV; (d) identifying the voltage andcurrent specifications of the rechargeable battery of the UAV to becharged; and (e) establishing a particular one of the electric circuitsbased on the identified voltage and current specifications, wherein avoltage differential in the particular electric circuit causes electriccurrent to flow through the electric circuit for charging therechargeable battery of the UAV, whereby the charging station is able tocharge UAVs having rechargeable batteries with different voltage andcurrent specifications.

In a feature, the method further comprises a step of wirelesslyreceiving by which the control assembly, from the UAV, information bywhich is identified the voltage and current specifications of therechargeable battery of the UAV to be charged.

In a feature, the method further comprises a step of identifying thevoltage and current specifications of the rechargeable battery of theUAV to be charged comprises using a sensor. The sensor may comprise, forexample, a camera; a barcode scanner; an RFID reader; and combinationsthereof.

In an aspect, a method for powering an electrical load of a UAV, whereinthe UAV comprises an electrode and an electrical pathway to ground,comprises the steps of: (a) operating the UAV within a vicinity ofpowerlines along a shield wire of the powerlines (i) such that theelectrode experiences electric field strengths of the powerlines, and(ii) such that an interface engages in electrical contact a shield wireof the powerlines so as to define an electrical pathway to groundresulting in voltage differentials between the electrode and the shieldwire; and (b) configuring one or more electrical components of the UAVthat are connected with the electrode and the interface for causing acurrent to flow between the electrode and the shield wire for poweringthe electrical load of the UAV.

In a feature, the powerlines carry alternating electric current.

In a feature, the electrical load comprises a rechargeable battery ofthe UAV.

In a feature, the electrical load comprises a propulsion system of theUAV.

In a feature, the electrical load comprises a navigation system of theUAV.

In a feature, the electrical load comprises an electric motor of theUAV.

In a feature, the electrical load comprises a camera of the UAV.

In a feature, the electrical load comprises a transceiver of the UAV.

In another aspect, a method for powering an electrical load of a UAV,wherein the UAV comprises a plurality of electrodes and an electricalpathway to ground comprises the steps of: (a) flying the UAV within avicinity of powerlines along a shield wire of the powerlines (i) suchthat the plurality of electrodes experiences electric field strengths ofthe powerlines, and (ii) such that an interface engages in electricalcontact a shield wire of the powerlines so as to define an electricalpathway to ground resulting in voltage differentials between each of theplurality of electrodes and the shield wire; and (b) configuring one ormore electrical components of the UAV that are connected with theplurality of electrodes and with the interface for causing a current toflow between one or more of the electrodes and the shield wire forpowering the electrical load of the UAV.

In a feature, the method further comprises the step of detecting voltagedifferentials between each of the electrodes and the shield wire andconfiguring the one or more electrical components of the UAV to cause acurrent to flow between the one or more electrodes and the shield wirebased on the detected voltage differentials and voltage and currentspecifications of the electrical load of the UAV to be powered.

In an aspect, a method for generating electric power for an electricalload of a UAV from one or more differentials in electric field strengthwithin a vicinity of powerlines, the UAV having a plurality of separatedelectrodes within the vicinity of powerlines and an interface configuredto engage in electrical contact a shield wire of the powerlines so as todefine an electrical pathway to ground, comprises the steps of: (a)operating the UAV within the vicinity of powerlines along a shield wireof the powerlines such that the plurality of separated electrodesexperience differentials in electric field strength with resultingdifferentials in voltage at the electrodes; and (b) detecting voltagedifferentials of the sets and, based on the detected voltagedifferentials and electric current specifications for powering theelectrical load of the UAV, (i) establishing a particular one of aplurality of different electric circuits, each of the different electriccircuits comprising a set of two or more mutually exclusive subsets ofthe plurality of electrodes, the electrodes in each subset that havemore than one electrode being electrically connected with each other foravoiding any voltage differential therebetween, and the one or moreelectrodes of each subset being electrically insulated from eachelectrode of any other subset of the set for enabling one or morevoltage differentials between the subsets of the set, wherein thesubsets are interconnected in each electric circuit such that the one ormore voltage differentials therebetween causes a current to flow throughthe electric circuit for powering the electrical load of the UAV; and(ii) configuring one or more electrical components of the UAV that areconnected with the plurality of electrodes and with the interface forcausing a current to flow between one or more of the electrodes and theshield wire for powering the electrical load of the UAV.

In other features, the UAV comprises one or more containment spaces orvolumes extending between electrodes, the containment spaces eachcontaining hydrogen gas or helium gas. The gas acts as an insulator and,if having a low density relative to air, provides a degree of lift tothe UAV. The gas may be non-pressurized or may be pressurized in acontainment space. If pressurized, the gas may further serve to buttressthe walls of the containment space and provide and deliver mechanicalstrength to various structures. The gas further is heated in someembodiments, thereby providing increased degrees of lift/buoyancy to theUAV. Such heating may be accomplished through means such as spark gapsor resistive heaters utilizing voltage differentials and current flowbetween the electrodes. When such heating is employed, gases other thanhydrogen and helium may be employed.

In another feature, the UAV comprises one or more containment spacesextending between electrodes, in which a vacuum is created andmaintained; the vacuum acts as an insulator between the electrodes.

In another aspect, a device for measuring positional data regarding apowerline tower comprises: (a) a mounting component for mounting thedevice to a powerline tower; (b) a sensor component for measuringpositional data regarding the powerline tower; and (c) a communicationcomponent for communicating information regarding the measuredpositional data regarding the powerline tower.

In a feature, the sensor component measures an inclination of thepowerline tower. The inclination of the powerline tower that is measuredby the sensor component preferably is an inclination of a suspensioninsulator of the powerline tower.

In a feature, the sensor component comprises camera.

In a feature, wherein the sensor component comprises an inclinometer,and the device may further comprise a three-axes accelerometer and athree-axes gyroscope.

In a feature, the sensor component comprises a three-axes accelerometer,and the device may further comprise an inclinometer or a three-axesgyroscope.

In a feature, the sensor component comprises a three-axes gyroscope, andthe device may further comprise an inclinometer.

In a feature, the device further comprises a three-axes magnetometer.

In a feature, the device further comprises a battery for powering thedevice. The battery preferably is rechargeable.

In a feature, the battery is received within a compartment includingterminals for electrically coupling with the battery, and wherein thebattery is removable and replaceable.

In a feature, the device further comprises a plurality of solar cellsfor powering the device. The solar cells preferably charge arechargeable battery, and the device is powered directly by the battery.Furthermore, one or more solar modules preferably comprise the pluralityof solar cells.

In a feature, the device further comprises first and second electrodesseparated and electrically insulated from each other for enabling adifferential in voltage at the first and second electrodes resultingfrom a differential in electric field strength experienced at the firstand second electrodes when within a vicinity of powerlines; andelectrical components electrically connected with the first and secondelectrodes and configured to establish a circuit, wherein thedifferential in voltage between the first and second electrodes causeselectric current to flow through the electric circuit for powering thedevice, including the sensor component and the communication component.The sensor component and the communication component may be directlypowered by the electric circuit, or alternatively, the device furthercomprises a battery for powering the device, the electric circuitcharges the battery, and the sensor component and the communicationcomponent are directly powered by the battery.

In a feature, the communications component comprises a transceiver forwireless communications.

In a feature, the communications component comprises a transceiver forcellular communications.

In a feature, the device further comprises: a plurality of separatedelectrodes; electrical components electrically connected with theplurality of electrodes, at least one or more of the electricalcomponents being configurable to establish each of a plurality ofdifferent electric circuits, each of the different electric circuitscomprising a set of two or more mutually exclusive subsets of theplurality of electrodes, the electrodes in each subset that have morethan one electrode being electrically connected with each other foravoiding a voltage differential therebetween, and the one or moreelectrodes of each subset being electrically insulated from eachelectrode of any other subset of the set for enabling one or morevoltage differentials between the subsets of the set resulting from adifferential in electric field strength experienced when the device iswithin the vicinity of the powerlines, wherein the subsets of the setare interconnected such that the one or more voltage differentialsbetween the subsets causes a current to flow through the electriccircuit of the set for powering the device, including at least one ofthe sensor component and the communication component; and a controlassembly comprising (i) one or more voltage-detector componentsconfigured to detect voltage differentials of the sets; and (ii) aprocessor enabled to process the detected voltage differentialsand—based thereon and based on voltage and electric currentspecifications for powering the device—configure one or more of theelectrical components in order to establish one of the plurality ofdifferent electric circuits for powering the device.

In a feature, the device further comprises: one or more of electrodesseparated and electrically insulated from each other; and electricalcomponents electrically connected with the one or more of electrodes andconfigured to establish an electrical pathway from one or more of theelectrodes and an electrical pathway to ground, whereby a differentialin voltage between the one or more of the electrodes and ground causesan electric current to flow for powering the device, including thesensor and the communication component.

In another aspect, a method for measuring positional data regarding apowerline tower comprises the steps of: (a) mounting a device to apowerline tower, the device comprising (i) a sensor component formeasuring positional data regarding the powerline tower and (ii) acommunication component for communicating information regarding themeasured positional data regarding the powerline tower; (b) measuringpositional data using the sensor component of the mounted device; and(c) using the communication component of the mounted device,communicating information regarding the positional data measured.

In a feature, communicating information regarding the positional datameasured comprises sending a text message by the communicationcomponent.

In a feature, communicating information regarding the positional datameasured comprises sending an email by the communication component.

In a feature, communicating information regarding the positional datameasured comprises sending a communication to a server over theInternet.

In a feature, the communication is hopped successively along thepowerline towers using the communication components of the mounteddevices.

In another aspect, a method for measuring positional data regarding apowerline tower comprises the steps of: (a) mounting a device to asuspension insulator of a powerline tower, the device comprising (i) asensor component for measuring positional data regarding the insulatorof the powerline tower and (ii) a communication component forcommunicating information regarding the measured positional dataregarding the insulator of the powerline tower; (b) measuring positionaldata regarding the insulator of the powerline tower using the sensorcomponent of the mounted device; and (c) using the communicationcomponent of the mounted device, communicating information regarding thepositional data measured.

In another aspect, a method for measuring positional data regarding apowerline tower comprises the steps of: (a) mounting a respective deviceto each suspension insulator of a powerline tower, each respectivedevice comprising (i) a sensor component for measuring positional dataregarding the insulator of the powerline tower and (ii) a communicationcomponent for communicating information regarding the measuredpositional data regarding the insulator of the powerline tower; (b)measuring positional data regarding the insulators of the powerlinetower using the sensor components of the mounted devices; and (c)communicating information regarding the positional data measured usingthe communication components of the mounted devices.

In another aspect of the invention, a device for detecting a positionalchange of a powerline tower comprises: (a) a mounting component formounting the device to a powerline tower; (b) a sensor component fordetecting a change in inclination of the powerline tower; (c) acommunication component for communicating an alert regarding a change ininclination of the powerline tower; (d) first and second electrodesseparated and electrically insulated from each other for enabling adifferential in voltage at the first and second electrodes resultingfrom a differential in electric field strength experienced at the firstand second electrodes when within a vicinity of powerlines; and (e)electrical components electrically connected with the first and secondelectrodes and configured to establish a circuit, wherein thedifferential in voltage between the first and second electrodes causeselectric current to flow through the electric circuit for powering thedevice, including the sensor and the communication component.

In a feature, the sensor component is directly powered by the electriccircuit.

In a feature, the communication component is directly powered by arechargeable battery.

In a feature, the electric circuit charges a rechargeable battery. Thesensor component may be directly powered by the rechargeable battery,and the communication component may be directly powered by therechargeable battery.

In a feature, the communications component comprises a transceiver forwireless communications.

In a feature, the communications component comprises a transceiver forcellular communications.

In a feature, the sensor component comprises an accelerometer.

In a feature, the sensor component comprises camera.

In another aspect, a device in which electric power is generated from adifferential in electric field strength within a vicinity of powerlinescomprises: (a) a mounting component for mounting the device to apowerline tower; (b) a sensor component for detecting a change ininclination of the powerline tower; (c) a communication component forcommunicating an alert regarding a change in inclination of thepowerline tower; (d) a plurality of separated electrodes; (e) electricalcomponents electrically connected with the plurality of electrodes, atleast one or more of the electrical components being configurable toestablish each of a plurality of different electric circuits, each ofthe different electric circuits comprising a set of two or more mutuallyexclusive subsets of the plurality of electrodes, the electrodes in eachsubset that have more than one electrode being electrically connectedwith each other for avoiding a voltage differential therebetween, andthe one or more electrodes of each subset being electrically insulatedfrom each electrode of any other subset of the set for enabling one ormore voltage differentials between the subsets of the set resulting froma differential in electric field strength experienced when the device iswithin the vicinity of the powerlines, wherein the subsets of the setare interconnected such that the one or more voltage differentialsbetween the subsets causes a current to flow through the electriccircuit of the set for powering the device, including at least one ofthe sensor component and the communication component; and (f) a controlassembly comprising (i) one or more voltage-detector componentsconfigured to detect voltage differentials of the sets; and (ii) aprocessor enabled to process the detected voltage differentialsand—based thereon and based on voltage and electric currentspecifications for powering the electrical load—configure one or more ofthe electrical components in order to establish one of the plurality ofdifferent electric circuits for powering the electrical load.

In another aspect, a power strip for powering a device within a vicinityof powerlines comprises: (a) a housing having an outlet for receiving aplug of a device for powering of the device, the outlet comprising twoterminals; (b) a power supply comprising a set of electrodes containedwithin the housing; and (c) electrical components contained within thehousing and electrically connected with the set and configured toestablish an electric pathway from a first subset of one or more of theelectrodes of the set and one of the two terminals of the outlet, andfrom the other of the two terminals of the outlet to a second subset ofone or more of the electrodes of the set that are not part of the firstsubset, whereby a differential in voltage between the first subset andthe second subset causes an electric current to flow for powering anobject when plugged into and electrically coupled with the first andsecond subsets.

In a feature, the power strip is mounted to a support structure of thepowerlines and the electric pathway to ground comprises an electricalconnection to a ground of the support structure.

In a feature, the power strip is mounted to a support structure of thepowerlines and the electric pathway to ground comprises an electricalconnection to a shield wire.

In a feature, the housing comprises a plurality of outlets each havingtwo terminals, and wherein the electrical components are furtherconfigured to establish an electric pathway from one or more of theelectrodes of the set and one of the two terminals of each outlet,wherein the other of the terminals of each outlet is connected to anelectric pathway to ground, whereby a differential in voltage betweenthe set and ground causes an electric current to flow for powering anobject when a plug of the object is electrically coupled with one of theoutlets. Each outlet preferably has a different physical configurationfor receiving a plug of a device, with each different configurationcorresponding to a different voltage and current specification.

In another aspect, a method for detecting a positional change of apowerline tower in a power transmission system comprises a plurality oftowers comprises the steps of: (a) mounting each of a plurality ofdevices respectively to each of the plurality of towers, each device ofthe plurality of devices comprising (i) a sensor component for detectinga change in inclination of a powerline tower; (ii) a communicationcomponent for communicating an alert regarding a change in inclinationof the powerline tower; (iii) first and second electrodes separated andelectrically insulated from each other for enabling a differential involtage at the first and second electrodes resulting from a differentialin electric field strength experienced at the first and secondelectrodes when within a vicinity of powerlines; and (iv) electricalcomponents electrically connected with the first and second electrodesand configured to establish a circuit, wherein the differential involtage between the first and second electrodes causes electric currentto flow through the electric circuit; (b) powering at least one of thesensor component and the communication component in each respectivedevice using the electric current flow through the electric circuitthereof; (c) using the sensor component of each mounted device,detecting by at least one of the sensor components a change with respectto inclination of one or more of the towers of the power transmissionsystem; and (d) using the communication component of at least one of themounted devices, communicating an alert regarding the detected change.

In a feature, the step of communicating an alert regarding the detectedchange comprises sending a text message by the communication component.

In a feature, the step of communicating an alert regarding the detectedchange comprises sending an email by the communication component.

In a feature, the step of communicating an alert regarding the detectedchange comprises sending a communication to a server over the Internet.

In a feature, the step of communicating an alert regarding the detectedchange comprises relaying a communication by communication components ofa plurality of the devices arranged in sequence along one or morepowerlines.

In a feature, detecting a change in inclination of a powerline tower bya respective device comprises detecting a change in inclination of thepowerline tower to which the respective device is mounted.

In a feature, the step of detecting a change in inclination of apowerline tower by a respective device comprises detecting a change ininclination of a particular powerline tower near the powerline tower towhich the respective device is mounted. The change in inclination may bedetected using a camera with the particular powerline tower being withinthe view of the camera.

In another aspect, a device for detecting a positional change of apowerline tower comprises: (a) a mounting component for mounting thedevice to a powerline tower; (b) a sensor component for detecting achange in inclination of the powerline tower; (c) a communicationcomponent for communicating an alert regarding a change in inclinationof the powerline tower; (d) one or more of electrodes separated andelectrically insulated from each other; (e) electrical componentselectrically connected with the one or more of electrodes and configuredto establish an electric pathway from one or more of the electrodes andan electric pathway to ground, whereby a differential in voltage betweenthe one or more of the electrodes and ground causes an electric currentto flow for powering the device, including the sensor and thecommunication component.

In a feature, the device is mounted to a support structure of thepowerlines and the electric pathway to ground comprises an electricalconnection to a ground of the support structure.

In another aspect, a method for detecting a positional change of apowerline tower in a power transmission system comprises a plurality oftowers comprises the steps of: (a) mounting each of a plurality ofdevices respectively to each of the plurality of towers, each device ofthe plurality of devices comprising (i) a sensor component for detectinga change in inclination of a powerline tower; (ii) a communicationcomponent for communicating an alert regarding a change in inclinationof the powerline tower; (iii) one or more electrodes separated andelectrically insulated from each other; and (iv) electrical componentselectrically connected with the one or more electrodes and configured toestablish a circuit including a pathway to ground, wherein adifferential in voltage between the one or more electrodes and groundcauses electric current to flow through the electric circuit forpowering the sensor component and the communication component; (b)powering the sensor component and the communication component in eachrespective device using the electric current flow through the electriccircuit thereof; (c) using the sensor component of each mounted device,detecting by at least one of the sensor components a change with respectto inclination of one or more of the towers of the power transmissionsystem; and (d) using the communication component of at least one of themounted devices, communicating an alert regarding the detected change.

In a feature, the alert is communicated by hopping the alertsuccessively along the powerlines via communication components of theplurality of devices.

Still additional aspects and features are disclosed in any patentapplication, patent application publication, and granted patent that isincorporated by reference elsewhere herein.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the invention,it should be noted that the invention further encompasses the variouslogical combinations and subcombinations of such aspects and features.Thus, for example, claims in this or a divisional or continuing patentapplication or applications may be separately directed to any aspect,feature, or embodiment disclosed herein, or combination thereof, withoutrequiring any other aspect, feature, or embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred embodiments of the invention now will be describedin detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary powerlinetransmission tower of a power transmission system.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of another exemplary powerlinetransmission tower of a power transmission system.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of another exemplary powerlinetransmission tower of a power transmission system.

FIG. 4 illustrates a model of electric field strengths within a vicinityof the powerlines.

FIG. 5 illustrates another modeling of electric field strengths within avicinity of the powerlines.

FIG. 6 illustrates a basic, schematic representation of an EFA generatorin accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a basic, schematic representation of an electriccircuit including an EFA generator and a normalizer in accordance withone or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic representation of another representativeelectric circuit including an EFA generator and a normalizer, whichelectric circuit is intended for use, by way of example and notlimitation, with a UAV in the form of a quadcopter.

FIG. 9 illustrates a profile of a “Quad H” rotocopter.

FIG. 10 illustrates a profile of a “Quad X” rotocopter.

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative profile of a “Quad X” rotocopter.

FIG. 12 illustrates another alternative profile of a “Quad X”rotocopter.

FIG. 13 illustrates a profile of a “Quad +” rotocopter.

FIG. 14 is a top schematic view of a first exemplary quadcopter 170 inaccordance with an embodiment of one or more aspects and features of theinvention.

FIG. 15 is a first side schematic view of the quadcopter 170 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a second side schematic view of the quadcopter 170 of FIG. 14, which side is opposite to the side of FIG. 15 .

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the quadcopter 170 seen in FIG. 16 .

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the EFA generator of the quadcopter170 taken along lines 18-18 of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 18 a is a cross-sectional view of an alternative to the EFAgenerator seen in FIG. 18 .

FIG. 19 is a first side schematic view of another quadcopter 230.

FIG. 20 is a second side schematic view of the quadcopter 230, whichside is opposite to the side of FIG. 19 .

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the quadcopter 230 seen in FIG. 20 .

FIG. 22 is a top schematic view of a third exemplary quadcopter 262 inaccordance with an embodiment of one or more aspects and features of theinvention.

FIG. 23 is a first side schematic view of the quadcopter 262, whereinthe quadcopter is in a landed configuration.

FIG. 24 is a rear schematic view of the quadcopter 262 in the landedconfiguration.

FIG. 25 is a second side schematic view of the quadcopter 262 in thelanded configuration, which side is opposite to the side of FIG. 23 .

FIG. 26 is a front schematic view of the quadcopter 262 in the landedconfiguration.

FIG. 27 is the second side schematic view of the quadcopter 262, whereinthe quadcopter is in a flight configuration.

FIG. 28 is a front schematic view of the quadcopter 262 in the flightconfiguration.

FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the quadcopter 262 seen in FIG. 25 .

FIG. 30 is a front schematic view of a main housing of a UAV togetherwith conduits in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 31 is a rear schematic view of the main housing and conduits.

FIG. 32 is another view of that of FIG. 30 , wherein both electrodescontained within the main housing and openings between the electrodesand the interior of the conduits are seen in phantom.

FIG. 33 is another view of that of FIG. 31 , wherein both electrodescontained within the main housing and openings between the electrodesand the interior of the conduits are seen in phantom.

FIG. 34 is another view of that of FIG. 32 , but wherein the conduitsare omitted.

FIG. 35 is another view of that of FIG. 33 , but wherein the conduitsare omitted.

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the main housingtaken along lines 36-36 in FIG. 34 .

FIG. 36 a is a cross-sectional view of an alternative to the mainhousing seen in FIG. 36 .

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the main housingtaken along lines 37-37 in FIG. 34 .

FIG. 37 a is a cross-sectional view of an alternative to the mainhousing seen in FIG. 37 .

FIG. 38 is a schematic illustration of a plurality of electrodes and aplurality of electrical components for circuit-switching in establishingelectric circuits in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 39 illustrates an arrangement of electrodes in the shape of a cube.

FIG. 40 a illustrates another arrangement of electrodes along threeorthogonal axes in a “jacks” configuration.

FIG. 40 b illustrates another arrangement of electrodes along threeorthogonal axes in a nested “jacks” configuration.

FIG. 41 illustrates another arrangement of electrodes in the shape of adisco ball.

FIG. 42 schematically illustrates a box-wing UAV in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 43 schematically illustrates an annular box-wing UAV in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 44 schematically illustrates a cylindrical-wing UAV in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 45 schematically illustrates a joined-wing UAV in accordance withone or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 46 schematically illustrates a flat annular-wing UAV in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 47 schematically illustrates a rhomboidal-wing UAV in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 48 schematically illustrates another annular box-wing UAV inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 49 schematically illustrates a triplane UAV in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 50 schematically illustrates a quadruplane UAV in accordance withone or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 51 schematically illustrates a multiplane UAV in accordance withone or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 52 schematically illustrates a biplane UAV in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 53 schematically illustrates an unequal-span biplane UAV inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 54 schematically illustrates a sesquiplane UAV in accordance withone or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 55 schematically illustrates an inverted-sesquiplane UAV inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 56 schematically illustrates an unstagger-biplane UAV in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 57 schematically illustrates a forwards-stagger UAV in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 58 schematically illustrates a backwards-stagger UAV in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 59-61 schematically illustrate another fixed-wing UAV inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 62-64 schematically illustrate another fixed-wing UAV inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 65-67 schematically illustrate another fixed-wing UAV inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 68-70 schematically illustrate another fixed-wing UAV inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 71-74 illustrate another UAV comprising a rotorcraft in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 75 schematically illustrates a charging station utilizing an EFAgenerator for charging of a UAV within a vicinity of powerlines inaccordance with one or more embodiments of one or more aspects andfeatures of the invention.

FIGS. 76-77 further schematically illustrate a landing by the UAV onto aplatform of the charging station of FIG. 75 in accordance with one ormore embodiments of one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 78 schematically illustrates the UAV supported on the platform ofthe charging station of FIG. 75 in a position for charging in accordancewith one or more embodiments of one or more aspects and features of theinvention.

FIG. 79 schematically illustrates a front view of the EFA generator ofthe charging station of FIG. 75 in accordance with one or moreembodiments of one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 80 schematically illustrates charging stations in accordance withone or more embodiments of one or more aspects and features of theinvention mounted to the exemplary powerline transmission tower of FIG.1 .

FIG. 81 schematically illustrates charging stations in accordance withone or more embodiments of one or more aspects and features of theinvention mounted to the exemplary powerline transmission tower of FIG.2 .

FIG. 82 schematically illustrates charging stations in accordance withone or more embodiments of one or more aspects and features of theinvention mounted to the exemplary powerline transmission tower of FIG.3 .

FIGS. 83-86 schematically illustrate a UAV in which an electricalpathway to ground is provided by utilizing an electrical pathway of theUAV to a shield wire typically found with powerlines, which preferablyis accessible by a flying UAV when between powerline transmissiontowers, all in accordance with one or more embodiments of one or moreaspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 87 schematically illustrates power strips in accordance with one ormore embodiments of one or more aspects and features of the inventionmounted to the exemplary powerline transmission tower of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 88 schematically illustrates power strips in accordance with one ormore embodiments of one or more aspects and features of the inventionmounted to the exemplary powerline transmission tower of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 89 schematically illustrates power strips in accordance with one ormore embodiments of one or more aspects and features of the inventionmounted to the exemplary powerline transmission tower of FIG. 3 .

FIGS. 90-92 respectively illustrate various exemplary towers withapparatus mounted thereon for measuring positional data relating to thetowers and, preferably, for measuring positional data relating topowerline suspension insulators.

Additional drawings that are in color are set forth in the Appendix,which is incorporated herein by reference. In this regard, FIG. 4 of theAppendix is a view of FIG. 4 in color; FIG. 5 of the Appendix is a viewof FIG. 5 in color; FIG. 14 of the Appendix is a view of FIG. 14 incolor; FIG. 15 of the Appendix is a view of FIG. 15 in color; FIG. 16 ofthe Appendix is a view of FIG. 16 in color; FIG. 17 of the Appendix is aview of FIG. 17 in color; FIG. 18 of the Appendix is a view of FIG. 18in color; FIG. 18 a of the Appendix is a view of FIG. 18 a in color;FIG. 19 of the Appendix is a view of FIG. 19 in color; FIG. 20 of theAppendix is a view of FIG. 20 in color; FIG. 21 of the Appendix is aview of FIG. 21 in color; FIG. 22 of the Appendix is a view of FIG. 22in color; FIG. 23 of the Appendix is a view of FIG. 23 in color; FIG. 24of the Appendix is a view of FIG. 24 in color; FIG. 25 of the Appendixis a view of FIG. 25 in color; FIG. 26 of the Appendix is a view of FIG.26 in color; FIG. 27 of the Appendix is a view of FIG. 27 in color; FIG.28 of the Appendix is a view of FIG. 28 in color; FIG. 29 of theAppendix is a view of FIG. 29 in color; FIG. 30 of the Appendix is aview of FIG. 30 in color; FIG. 31 of the Appendix is a view of FIG. 31in color; FIG. 32 of the Appendix is a view of FIG. 32 in color; FIG. 33of the Appendix is a view of FIG. 33 in color; FIG. 34 of the Appendixis a view of FIG. 34 in color; FIG. 35 of the Appendix is a view of FIG.35 in color; FIG. 36 of the Appendix is a view of FIG. 36 in color; FIG.36 a of the Appendix is a view of FIG. 36 a in color; FIG. 37 of theAppendix is a view of FIG. 37 in color; FIG. 37 a of the Appendix is aview of FIG. 37 a in color; FIG. 68 of the Appendix is a view of FIG. 68in color; FIG. 69 of the Appendix is a view of FIG. 69 in color; FIG. 70of the Appendix is a view of FIG. 70 in color; FIG. 71 of the Appendixis a view of FIG. 71 in color; FIG. 72 of the Appendix is a view of FIG.72 in color; FIG. 73 of the Appendix is a view of FIG. 73 in color; andFIG. 74 of the Appendix is a view of FIG. 74 in color.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that theinvention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodimentdiscussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be partof a best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. Otherembodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposesin providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention.Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention may incorporate only one ora plurality of the aspects of the invention disclosed herein; only oneor a plurality of the features disclosed herein; or combination thereof.As such, many embodiments are implicitly disclosed herein and fallwithin the scope of what is regarded as the invention.

Accordingly, while the invention is described herein in detail inrelation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the invention and is mademerely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure ofthe invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodimentsis not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patentprotection afforded the invention in any claim of a patent issuing herefrom, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalentsthereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection affordedthe invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation foundherein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patentprotection afforded the invention be defined by the issued claim(s)rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan shouldprevail.

With regard solely to construction of any claim with respect to theUnited States, no claim element is to be interpreted under 35 U. S.C.112(f) unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actuallyused in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision isintended to and should apply in the interpretation of such claimelement. With regard to any method claim including a condition precedentstep, such method requires the condition precedent to be met and thestep to be performed at least once during performance of the claimedmethod.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “comprising”is open-ended insofar as that which follows such term is not exclusive.Additionally, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one” butdoes not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictatesotherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” is thesame as “a picnic basket comprising an apple” and “a picnic basketincluding an apple”, each of which identically describes “a picnicbasket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket havingapples”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other itemsbeside an apple. In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having asingle apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple”; thepicnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside anapple. In contrast, “a picnic basket consisting of an apple” has only asingle item contained therein, i.e., one apple; the picnic basketcontains no other item.

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one ofthe items” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus,reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “apicnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket havingcrackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese andcrackers”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other itemsbeside cheese and crackers.

When used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of theitems of the list”. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheeseand crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein thepicnic basket further has crackers”, as well as describes “a picnicbasket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese”;the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items besidecheese and crackers.

The phrase “at least one” followed by a list of items joined by “and”denotes an item of the list but does not require every item of the list.Thus, “at least one of an apple and an orange” encompasses the followingmutually exclusive scenarios: there is an apple but no orange; there isan orange but no apple; and there is both an apple and an orange. Inthese scenarios if there is an apple, there may be more than one apple,and if there is an orange, there may be more than one orange. Moreover,the phrase “one or more” followed by a list of items joined by “and” isthe equivalent of “at least one” followed by the list of items joined by“and”.

Furthermore, as used herein “electrode” means “a conductor at which anelectric current begins or ends due to an electric field differential”.

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of theinvention are next described. The following description of one or morepreferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no wayintended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

an object preferably comprises an electrical load (also referred to asan electrical load) that is directly powered by such apparatus andmethods. Such object may be, by way of example and not limitation, asensor, a transceiver, or an electric motor. Alternatively, the objectcomprises an energy-storing system that is charged by such apparatus andmethods, wherein the electrical load is powered by the energy-storingsystem, in which scenario the electrical load is indirectly powered bysuch apparatus and methods. Such energy-storing system may comprise abattery.

Such apparatus may be a device or may be part of a device andhereinafter such apparatus is generally referred to herein as an“electric-field actuated generator” or “EFA” generator. The EFAgenerator is intended to be used within an environment havinginhomogeneous electric fields, wherein differentials in electric fieldstrengths are sufficiently great so as to power the intended object withthe EFA generator. In preferred embodiments, the environment comprises avicinity of powerlines, and especially a vicinity of three-phasealternating current powerlines, such as those used by electric andutility companies for electric power transmission. At least in theUnited States, such powerlines usually are three-phase AC and typicallyhave voltages of between 69 kV and 765 kV, including 115 kV, 230 kV, 500kV, and 765 kV

Furthermore, many preferred embodiments—but not all—are described withinthe context of UAVs; however, not all embodiments of the invention arelimited to such context, as will become apparent in the detaileddisclosure below. Indeed, the invention generally relates to apparatusand methods for electrically powering objects, wherein an objectpreferably comprises an electrical load that is directly powered by suchapparatus and methods. Such object may be, by way of example and notlimitation, a sensor, a transceiver, or an electric motor.Alternatively, the object comprises an energy-storing system that ischarged by such apparatus and methods, wherein the electrical load ispowered by the energy-storing system, in which scenario the electricalload is indirectly powered by such apparatus and methods. Suchenergy-storing system may comprise a battery.

Such apparatus may be a device or may be part of a device and isgenerally referred to herein as an “electric field actuated generator”or “EFA” generator. The EFA generator is intended to be used within anenvironment having inhomogeneous electric fields, wherein differentialsin electric field strengths are sufficiently great so as to power theintended object with the EFA generator. At least in the United States,such powerlines usually are three-phase AC and typically have voltagesof between 69 kV and 765 kV, including 115 kV, 230 kV, 500 kV, and 765kV.

In the following detailed description of preferred embodimentspertaining to UAVs, the environment comprises a vicinity of powerlines,and especially a vicinity of three-phase AC powerlines such as thoseused by electric companies and utility companies for electric powertransfer in the United States.

Turning now to FIG. 6 , a basic, schematic representation of an EFAgenerator 122 in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention is shown. The EFA generator 122 comprises a first electrode124 and a second electrode 126. The EFA generator 122 may be containedwithin an enclosure 132 so as to form a power supply unit for use withapparatus having a receptacle for removably receiving the power supplyunit, whereby power supply units may be readily changed in suchapparatus. Alternatively, the EFA generator 122 may form an integratedpower supply in an apparatus and be contained within an enclosure of theapparatus itself. In any of these scenarios, the first and secondelectrodes 124,126 are arranged such that these electrodes experienceelectric fields E₁(t) and E₂(t) that result in a net differentialvoltage therebetween equal to v₁(t)−v₂(t) where v₁(t) is not equal tov₂(t). The voltage differential resulting from the electric fieldstrength differential can be realized at terminals 128,130 forconnection with other electrical components for establishing a circuitfor powering an electrical load.

The electrodes may take different shapes. The electrodes may be planaror curved, and may even be oriented to predominately face in planes thatare orthogonal to one another. As such, the electrodes are notnecessarily arranged in opposed facing relation to one another as may befound in a capacitor, although such arrangement is not precludedprovided the electrodes experience the electric field strengthdifferentials resulting in the voltage differentials for powering theelectrical load. Thus, the shapes and orientations of the electrodesseen in FIG. 6 is merely for the purpose of a basic illustration and arenot intended to be limitations on broad aspects of the invention.

A basic, schematic representation of an electric circuit 134 includingan EFA generator and a normalizer in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 7 . The electriccircuit 134 comprises EFA generator 136 and electrical load 138.Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7 , the electric circuit 134 comprises anormalizer 140 for normalizing the voltage differential v₁(t)−v₂(t) thatvaries as a function of time. The varying voltage differentialrepresents the input for normalizer 140, and a voltage and current thatis readily usable for powering the electrical load 138 is provided asthe output for normalizer 140. Preferably, the output voltage issubstantially constant or at least varies within a marginal range, whichrange is much less than the range of variation of the voltagedifferential from the EFA generator, and the output current preferablyis direct current rather than alternating current. The normalizer mayinclude one or more converters that include one or more of transformers,rectifiers, regulators, and filters. Indeed, is believed that thenormalizer can be designed and constructed by the Ordinary Artisan forachieving desired voltage and current output.

It further will be appreciated that while the normalizer is shown as acomponent separate from the EFA generator and is representative ofvarious embodiments of the invention, the normalizer may form part ofthe EFA generator which is representative of various other embodimentsof the invention. Moreover, in scenarios in which the electrical load iscompatible with the voltage differentials output by the EFA generator,or itself includes one or more components for normalizing voltage, thenormalizer 140 illustrated in the electric circuit 134 may be omitted.

Another schematic representation of an electric circuit 142 including anEFA generator and a normalizer in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 8 . Thisrepresentative electric circuit 142 comprises EFA generator 144 andelectrical load 146 and is intended for use with a UAV in the form of aquadcopter. Example profiles of such a quadcopter are illustrated inFIGS. 9-13 and, as seen therein, each quadcopter includes four rotorsfor providing lift and thrust. Each rotor is powered by a respectivemotor 148,150,152,154, the speed of which is controlled by an onboardcomputer or controller 156 via a respective electronic speed controlleror ESC 158,160,162,164. The power to the controller is provided via apower distribution board 166, which also powers the motors and powersthe ESC components (not shown for clarity).

In some embodiments, the electric circuit 142 also comprises a batterypower supply 168 in addition to the EFA generator 144, which batterypower supply 168 powers the power distribution board. In otherembodiments, the battery power supply 168 is omitted and the electriccircuit 142 is powered entirely by the EFA generator 144. When thebatter power supply 168 is included, the one or more batteries thereofpreferably are rechargeable, and the normalizer 146 preferably suppliespower to the battery power supply 168 for charging of the one or morebatteries.

The controller 156 preferably is connected to the batter power supplyand to the normalizer 146 for controlling when the batteries arecharged, and for controlling when power is supplied to the powerdistribution board by the batter power supply, and when power issupplied to the power distribution board from the EFA generator 144 viathe normalizer 146. Power is supplied by the battery power supplypreferably at least when the UAV is operated outside of the vicinity ofpowerlines or otherwise outside of the electric field strengthdifferentials needed for the EFA generator to provide the required powerto operate the UAV.

The controller 156 also preferably is connected to the EFA generator 144for establishing electric circuits through switches as a function ofboth the voltage differentials experienced at the electrodes of the EFAgenerator 144 and the power requirements of the electrical load(s) ofthe electric circuit. The voltage differentials experienced at theelectrodes of the EFA generator 144, which is a function of the variouselectric field strengths experienced at the electrodes, preferably isdetected by way of voltage detectors within the EFA generator 144 thatare operatively connected to the electrodes of the EFA generator 144 andin communication with the controller 156. Such electric circuitswitching within an EFA generator for optimizing the current and voltageoutput characteristics for the electrical load requirements is furtherdisclosed and discussed hereinbelow.

FIGS. 14-29 further relate to embodiments of quadcopters that areexemplary of one or more aspects and one or more features of embodimentsof the invention and are described in detail below.

With specific regard to FIGS. 14-18 , a first exemplary quadcopter 170is now described. In this respect, FIG. 14 is a top schematic view ofthe quadcopter 170; FIG. 15 is a first side schematic view of thequadcopter 170 of FIG. 14 ; FIG. 16 is a second side schematic view ofthe quadcopter 170 of FIG. 14 , which side is opposite to the side ofFIG. 15 ; FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the quadcopter 170 seen in FIG.16 . Additionally, FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the EFAgenerator taken along lines 18-18 of FIG. 14 .

As seen in FIGS. 14-17 , the quadcopter 170 comprises four rotors172,174,176,178 driven by motors 180,182,184,186. Each rotor and motorare supported by a respective arm 188,190,192,194 that extends from andis connected to an enclosure of the quadcopter 170. The enclosurecomprises a rectangular block-shaped main housing 196 that is preferablymade from a non-conducting plastic material. An EFA generator 200 isencased within the housing 196 and is seen through a partial wall cutoutin FIG. 16 as well as in the exploded view of FIG. 17 .

The quadcopter 170 further comprises a forward secondary housing 202 anda rear secondary housing 204, each located on the exterior of thehousing 196 and each located between pairs of the rotors. A series ofconduits 206 extend along the exterior of the housing 196 and along thearms 188,190,192,194 and define electrical pathways. Preferably, wiringextends through interior channels of conduits 206. Referring to theexemplary circuit illustrated in FIG. 8 in the context of the quadcopter170, the EFA generator—and specifically the group of electrodesthereof—is contained within the housing 196 while the other electriccomponents including the normalizer, power distribution board, batterypower supply (if included), and controller are collectively containedwithin one or more of the secondary housings 202,204. The motors arelocated on the arms, and the electronic speed controllers are located onthe arms with the motors or are contained within the one or more of thesecondary housings 202,204. The pathways of the conduits 206electrically interconnect these components in forming the electriccircuit 142.

The quadcopter 170 further comprises a plurality of telescoping legs,one pair 208,210 which is seen in FIG. 15 and another pair 212,214 whichis seen in each of FIGS. 16 and 17 . The legs extend downwardly forlanding of the quadcopter, which position is seen in FIG. 16 , andretract upwardly for flight, which position is seen in FIG. 15 . Whenretracted, the feet of the legs 208,210,212,214 are located above anelevation of the bottom of the housing 196 (see, e.g., FIG. 15 ).Extension and retraction of the legs preferably is handled by thecontroller of the UAV.

The cross-sectional view of the EFA generator 200 taken along lines18-18 of FIG. 14 is seen in FIG. 18 . This cross-sectional view showsthat the EFA generator 200 comprises a first electrode 216 and a secondelectrode 218, with an insulator 220 extending between the twoelectrodes 216,218. Each electrode 216,218 in the quadcopter 170preferably is thin and wide and comprises a conducting material. Indeed,each electrode more preferably is a metallic plate.

The insulator 220 preferably is lightweight and able to withstand alarge voltage differential between the electrodes 216,218 beforebreaking down. Possible materials of which the insulator 220 comprisesinclude clay; ceramic; porcelain; PVC; cresyl pthalate; DEHP; plastics;rubber; nylon; glass; dry air; fiberglass; polyurethane foam;polystyrene (Styrofoam); paper; and Teflon. The insulator 220 may be inthe form of an elongate member having an oval or polygonal profile incross-section. It will be appreciated by the Ordinary Artisan that theinsulator 220 illustrated in FIG. 18 may be seen as a dielectricextending between the electrodes 216,218.

Additionally, an insulator may comprise a gas or combination of gases,such as air, in which case the insulator 220 of FIG. 18 is replaced witha containment space 221 between the electrodes containing such gas orcombination of gases, which is represented in FIG. 18 a . In at leastsome preferred embodiments, the insulator is hydrogen gas, and theinterior of the EFA generator comprises an airtight containment spacebetween opposing electrodes in which the hydrogen is retained. Use ofhydrogen gas is beneficial insofar as the hydrogen gas—in additional tobeing an insulator—will provide a degree of lift, thereby reducing theweight of the EFA generator. This buoyancy-assisted lift provided by thehydrogen gas will lessen the power requirements for operating the UAV.The hydrogen gas may be non-pressurized. The hydrogen gas also may bepressurized in some embodiments, thereby buttressing the structuralintegrity of the walls of the containment space of the EFA generator. Itfurther is contemplated that, in at least some preferred embodiments,helium gas is utilized instead of hydrogen gas and that, in someembodiments, the helium is pressurized for buttressing the structuralintegrity of the walls of the containment space 221 of the EFAgenerator. In still some further embodiments, it is contemplated that avacuum is created and maintained—and no gas is provided—within thecontainment space 221. In other preferred embodiments, the gas—whetherhelium or hydrogen—is heated. Such heating may be accomplished throughspark gaps or resistive heaters utilizing voltage differentials andcurrent flow between electrodes. Of course, no oxygen is introduced whenhydrogen is utilized so as to eliminate risks of potential explosions orfires. When such heating is employed, many gasses both including andother than hydrogen and helium may be used.

While aspects of the invention in their broadest definitions are notintended to be limited by any particular dimensional characteristic ofthe UAV, certain aspects and features do relate to dimensions of theUAV. In this respect, it is believed that it may be preferred in thecontext of UAVs operating in vicinity of at least certain powerlinearrangements to have an elongate dimension in the direction of travelversus the crosswise and vertical dimensions.

In this respect, and as used herein, the direction of travel is referredto as the “z” direction, axis, or component and is intended to be in adirection in which powerlines extend between consecutive supportingtowers. The “x” direction, axis, or component is in a directionorthogonal to the z direction and represents a distance from acenterline of the powerline arrangement. In a hypothetical where towersare situated at the same elevation and the powerlines are in perfectlinear extent between such towers, the x direction corresponds to ahorizontal direction orthogonal to the direction of the Earth's gravity.The “y” direction, axis, or component is in a direction orthogonal toboth the z direction and x direction, and in the stated hypothetical,the y direction corresponds to the vertical direction (parallel to forcelines representing the Earth's gravity).

With this in mind, it will be appreciated that the quadcopter 170 seenin FIGS. 14 and 15 has an elongate dimension in the z direction and,specifically, the quadcopter 170 is seen to have a main body 196 with alength in the z direction of 12 units, a width in the x direction of 3units, and a height in the y direction of one unit, wherein the unit isrepresented by “n” and could be any desired length within reason foroperation of the UAV within the vicinity of the powerlines of a powertransmission system. For example, “n” in one or more preferredembodiments is between approximately one foot or approximately a thirdof a meter.

The EFA generator 200 preferably consumes the entire volume of the mainhousing 196 of the quadcopter 170. In this respect, the electrodes216,218 preferably extend commensurate with the top and bottom surfacesof the main housing 196. In other embodiments, the EFA generator 200 maynot consume the entirety of the volume of the main housing 196, in whichcase one or more electrical components may be included within thehousing 196 rather than in secondary housings or in other areas of theUAV. Moreover, in cases where the UAV transports cargo, the cargo may becontained within the main housing 196 rather than, or in addition to,being contained within one or more secondary housings, space permitting.

Additionally, the EFA generator 200 preferably represents aself-contained power supply unit that is removably received within acontainment space of the main housing 196, which is illustrated in theexploded view of FIG. 17 . The EFA generator 200 preferably comprises atleast a pair of terminals 222,224, and optionally additional terminalssuch as the pair of terminals 226,228, for electrically connecting theEFA generator 200 with other electrical components of the quadcopter 170through the wiring in the conduits 206. Electrical pathways connect theelectrodes and terminals. Thus, for example, electrical pathways 223,227each in the form of a conducting wire respectively connect the firstelectrode 216 with terminal 222 and terminal 226; and electricalpathways 225,229 each in the form of a conducting wire respectivelyconnect the second electrode 218 with terminal 224 and terminal 228.

The EFA generator 200 in the form of a power supply unit preferably isremovable and replaceable with each of other different EFA-generatorpower supply units having compatible dimensions and configurations.Because the EFA generator in the form of a power supply unit is aself-contained unit with connecting terminals, the quadcopter 170 can beoutfitted with different power supply units depending on the differentpossible powerline arrangements the vicinity of which the quadcopter 170is intended to be operated, and on the one or more components or devicesto be powered thereby. As further disclosed below, the different butcompatible EFA-generator power supply units may differ, for example, inthe material of the electrodes, the shape of the electrodes, the area ofthe electrodes, the number of the electrodes, the number of differentcircuits that can be formed with the electrodes, and the insulatorbetween electrodes. Such differences are believed to alter the powercharacteristics, including voltage and current, that is provided, aswell as the ability or efficiency in providing such power.

FIGS. 19-21 illustrate a second exemplary quadcopter 230 representing avariation of quadcopter 170, and the disclosure of the quadcopter 170applies to quadcopter 230 with the following exceptions.

As illustrated, quadcopter 230 comprises at least one camera, andpreferably two or more cameras 232,234, which are shown as located onthe secondary housings 236,238. Cameras alternatively or additionallymay be located on a top of the UAV; on a bottom of the UAV; on one orboth ends of the UAV; and on the front or rear of the UAV. The cameras232,234 are configured for taking digital photographs, for recordingvideo, and/or recording audio and video. Electrical componentssupporting the cameras 232,234, including one or more processors andmemory, preferably are included within one or more of the secondaryhousings, but may be included within the central housing 240 or evenwithin one or more of the conduits (several of which conduits242,244,246 are seen in FIG. 21 ) or on one or more of the arms (two ofwhich arms 248,250 also are seen in FIG. 21 ).

Additionally, quadcopter 230 comprises a base 252 to which the arms areconnected and from which the arms extend, with the housing beingsupported on top of the base 252. A plurality of hydraulic extensionlegs (two of which legs 254,256 are seen in FIG. 19 and two of whichlegs 258,260 are seen in FIG. 21 ) are connected to the bottom of thebase 252 and are transitionable between retracted positions (seen inFIG. 20 ) and extended positions (seen in FIGS. 19 and 21 ). Extensionand retraction of the legs preferably is handled by the controller ofthe UAV.

Lastly, the EFA generator of the quadcopter is integrated into thehousing 240 and is not a separate, removable unit from the housing 240,which differs from the quadcopter 170. It will be appreciated, however,that at least in the quadcopter 240 and embodiments of the inventionrepresented thereby, the housing 240 may be detached from the base 252and a compatible housing with an EFA generator having the same ordifferent power characteristics may be attached to the base 252, whichis similar to changing out the EFA generator when in the form of aremovable power supply unit.

FIGS. 22-29 illustrate a third exemplary quadcopter 262 similar toquadcopter 170, and the disclosure of the quadcopter 170 applies toquadcopter 262 with the following variations. First, from review of thedrawings it should be apparent that the main housing 264 is rectangularin shape with respect to the x and z axes, the dimension in eachdirection of which is “5n”. The height in the y direction is “2.3n”,wherein “n” can be any desired length within reason for operation of theUAV within the vicinity of the powerlines of a power transmissionsystem. For example, “n” in one or more preferred embodiments is betweenapproximately one foot or approximately a third of a meter.

In another variation, the quadcopter 262 includes secondary housings266,268 that extend an entire length of the main housing 264 in one ofthe x and z directions. Thus, as seen for example in FIG. 24 , secondaryhousing 268 extends from one side of the quadcopter 262 to the otherside of the quadcopter 262 in the x direction and is located at anelevation above the rotors of the quadcopter 262; and as seen forexample in FIG. 26 , secondary housing 266 similarly extends from oneside of the quadcopter 262 to the other side of the quadcopter 262 inthe x direction and is located at an elevation above the rotors of thequadcopter 262.

It further will be appreciated that each of FIGS. 23-26 illustrates thequadcopter 262 in a configuration with the telescoping legs extended forlanding. In contrast, FIGS. 27-28 each illustrates the quadcopter 262 ina configuration with the telescoping legs retracted for flight.

Similar to the quadcopter 170, quadcopter 262 also includes an EFAgenerator in the form of a removable power supply unit 270, perhaps asbest seen in the exploded view of FIG. 29 . The EFA-generator powersupply unit 270 preferably comprises at least a pair of terminals251,253 and optionally additional terminals such as the pair ofterminals 255,257 for electrically connecting the EFA generator withwiring of the conduits.

FIG. 30 is a front schematic view of a main housing 272 that isrepresentative of one or more embodiments of UAVs in accordance with oneor more aspects and features of the invention. FIG. 31 is a rearschematic view of the main housing 272 and conduits 274. Wirespreferably extend within the conduits 274 representing electricalpathways for connecting electrical components of the UAV with an EFAgenerator contained within the main housing 272. With respect to thisrepresentative example, the EFA generator preferably is integrated withthe housing and is not in the form of a removable power supply unit. Ofcourse, in other embodiments of UAVs in accordance with one or moreaspects and features of the invention, the EFA generator is in the formof a removable power supply unit.

Furthermore, no secondary housing is shown for clarity, but one or moresecondary housings may be included with the main housing 272 in anembodiment. The electrical components of the UAV connected by theconduits 274 preferably are contained in one or more such secondaryhousings and are connected therewith through one or more terminals ofthe EFA generator. One or more front terminals conduits 275,277 of themain housing 272 provide electrical pathways to the terminals of the EFAgenerator and are schematically illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 32 ; backterminal conduits 279,281 of the main housing 272 provide electricalpathways to the terminals of the EFA generator, too, and areschematically illustrated in FIG. 31 . The electrical pathways of theterminal conduits enable electrical connections with and powering ofelectrical components that may be located within a secondary housinglocated at a front or back of the housing. In at least some embodiments,such electrical components also may be contained within the conduitsthemselves and may be contained on one or more integrated circuitboards. Moreover, any such secondary housing and any or all of theconduits may be insulated to shield the electrical components containedtherein and the wiring from the electric fields that are encounteredwithin the vicinity of powerlines. Of course, the main housingcontaining the EFA generator does not shield the EFA generator from suchelectric fields.

FIG. 32 is another view of that of FIG. 30 , wherein electrodescontained within the main housing 272 are seen in phantom. The EFAgenerator illustrated in FIG. 32 includes sixteen electrodes comprisingupper electrodes 274,276,278,280 each parallel to one another andsubstantially extending in a common plane; lower electrodes282,284,286,288 each parallel to one another and substantially extendingin a common plane, and each substantially parallel to each of the upperelectrodes 274,276,278,280; side electrodes 290,304; and intermediateelectrodes 292,294,296,298,300,302 spaced apart from one another, eachintermediate electrode being oriented in parallel relation to andlocated between the side electrodes 290,304. The sixteen electrodes areelectrically insulated from each other such that a differential involtage between electrodes is enabled that results from differentials inelectric field strength experienced at the electrodes when within thevicinity of the powerlines.

In this regard, insulators 306,308,310 form barriers between the upperelectrodes 274,276,278,280; insulators 312,314,316 form barriers betweenthe lower electrodes 282,284,286,288; insulators 318,320,322 formbarriers between pairs of the intermediate electrodes 292,294, 296,298,and 300,302; insulator 324 forms a barrier between the upper electrode274 and the side electrode 290; insulator 326 forms a barrier betweenthe upper electrode 280 and the side electrode 304; insulator 328 formsa barrier between the lower electrode 282 and the side electrode 290;and insulator 330 forms a barrier between the lower electrode 288 andthe side electrode 304. These insulating barriers prevent electricalshorting between electrodes having differing voltages and enable voltagedifferentials for establishing circuits for driving electrical loads inaccordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.Furthermore, insulators 306,308,310,312,314,316,324,326,328,330 eachpreferably is in the form of an elongate members having an oval orpolygonal cross-sectional profile; and insulators 318,320,322 preferablyare in a planar form and may comprise one or more sheets or films andmay include composite materials.

Sixteen access openings are provided in the front exterior wall 271 ofthe main housing 272 through which wires of the conduits 274 extend forelectrical connection with the sixteen electrodes contained within themain housing 272. Sixteen access openings also preferably are providedin the back exterior wall 273 of the main housing 272 through whichwires of the conduits 274 also may extend for electrical connection withthe sixteen electrodes contained within the main housing 272. Theseaccess openings are illustrated in phantom in FIGS. 32 and 33 . Theseaccess openings also are seen in FIGS. 34 and 35 , in which figures theconduits 274 have been omitted for view of such openings.

The sixteen access openings in the front exterior wall 271 compriseopenings 332,334,336,338 for access to the upper electrodes274,276,278,280; openings 340,342,344,346 for access to the lowerelectrodes 282,284,286,288; and openings 348,362 for access to the sideelectrodes 290,304.

The sixteen access openings in the back exterior wall 273 compriseopenings 333,335,337,339 for access to the upper electrodes274,276,278,280; openings 341,343,345,347 for access to the lowerelectrodes 282,284,286,288; and openings 349,363 for access to the sideelectrodes 290,304.

A cross-sectional view of the main housing 272 along lines 36-36 is seenin FIG. 36 . An insulating material 364 is seen contained within themain housing 272, which insulating material extends between the upperelectrode 274 and the lower electrode 282. The insulating material 364preferably comprises a dielectric material in at least some embodiments.

Another cross-sectional view of the main housing 272 along lines 37-37is seen in FIG. 37 . In this view, side electrodes 290,304 are seen tobe positioned at opposite ends of the sequence of spaced apart electrodepairs 292,294; 296,298; and 300,302, each electrode of each pair beingarranged in parallel with the side electrodes 290,304. Furthermore, asseen in FIG. 37 , the insulating material 364 preferably comprising adielectric material extends between electrodes 290,292; 294,296;298,300; and 302,304. Additionally, the insulators 318,320,322 formingthe electrical barriers between the intermediate electrodes 292,294;296,298; and 300,302 are seen in FIG. 37 .

In at least some alternative embodiments, the insulating material 364 isreplaced with a gas that is contained within containment spaces 365located between opposing electrodes, as seen in FIGS. 36 a and 37 a . Insome preferred embodiments, the gas is hydrogen. Use of hydrogen gas isbeneficial insofar as the hydrogen gas—in additional to being aninsulator—will provide a degree of lift, thereby reducing the weight ofthe UAV. This buoyancy-assisted lift provided by the hydrogen gas thuswill lessen the power requirements for operating the UAV. The hydrogengas also may be pressurized in some embodiments, thereby buttressing thestructural integrity of the walls of the containment spaces 365. Itfurther is contemplated that, in at least some preferred embodiments,helium gas is utilized instead of hydrogen gas and that, in someembodiments, the helium is pressurized for buttressing the structuralintegrity of the walls of the containment spaces 365. In still yet otherpreferred embodiments, a vacuum is created and maintained within thecontainment spaces of the housing 272. In other preferred embodiments,the gas—whether helium or hydrogen—is heated. Such heating may beaccomplished through spark gaps or resistive heaters utilizing voltagedifferentials and current flow between electrodes. Of course, no oxygenis introduced especially when hydrogen is utilized so as to eliminaterisks of potential explosions or fires.

It will be appreciated that each electrode in FIGS. 36 and 37 has atleast two overall substantial dimensions, i.e., length and height, afirst of which is at least 80% of at least one of an overall heightwiseextent, an overall lengthwise extent, and an overall widthwise extent ofthe UAV, and a second of which is at least 80% of at least one of theoverall heightwise extent, the overall lengthwise extent, and theoverall widthwise extent of the UAV. Such specified percentages applyonly in some and not all embodiments of the invention and are set forthherein as preferred only in some contemplated scenarios; the percentagesare different in other embodiments and may be extremely small, as willbe apparent from a review of FIG. 41 , for example.

The electrodes in FIGS. 36 and 37 are separated and electricallyinsulated from each other for enabling a differential in voltageresulting from a differential in electric field strength experienced atthe electrodes when within the vicinity of the powerlines. Furthermore,the UAV comprises electrical components electrically connected with theelectrodes that establish an electric circuit, with the differential involtage between the electrodes causing a current to flow through thecircuit for powering an electrical load of the electric circuit. Arepresentative arrangement of such electrical components is discussednext with reference to FIG. 38 .

FIG. 38 is a schematic illustration of a plurality of electrodes and aplurality of electrical components for circuit-switching in establishingelectric circuits in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention. Indeed, the schematic illustration is considered to berepresentative of what may be utilized in connection with an EFAgenerator similar to that of FIGS. 30-37 but wherein the back terminalconduits are omitted and, as such, numbering in FIGS. 30-37 has beencarried forward into FIG. 38 , where applicable. In this regard, FIG. 38schematically illustrates the sixteen electrodes including the upperelectrodes 274,276,278,280; the lower electrodes 282,284,286,288; theside electrodes 290,304; and the intermediate electrodes292,294,296,298,300,302. Terminals 275,277 also are schematicallyillustrated.

In order to provide the ability to establish the plurality of differentelectric circuits, a set of switches366,368,370,372,374,376,378,380,382,384,386,388,390,392,394,396,398,400,402,404,406,408,410,412,414,416,418,420,422,424,426,428 are provided for opening andclosing electrical pathways. Broadly as used herein, “switch” is used inthe electrical engineering context to indicate an electrical componentthat can make or break an electric circuit, interrupting the current ordiverting it from one pathway to another. It is contemplated that eachswitch may take one of a plurality of conventional forms and equivalentsthereof that are apparent to the Ordinary Artisan.

Additionally, each switch preferably is controlled by a controller inaccordance with one or more “circuit-switching” algorithms containedwithin machine-executable instructions stored in non-transitorymachine-readable medium. The controller may comprise a processor, amicrocontroller, or an integrated circuit including an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), or equivalents thereof. Thecontroller may be located in the EFA generator and form part of theillustrated circuit of FIG. 38 . Alternatively, the controller may belocated external to the EFA generator such as, for example, when the EFAgenerator is in the form of a removable power supply unit. In the latterscenario, the controller may be included in a secondary housing, orwithin a portion of the conduits of the main housing. Moreover, thecontroller may be connected by wire with each switch for controlling thestate of the switch or may be connected wirelessly with each switch forcontrolling the state of the switch. The controller, in accordance withthe one or more algorithms, performs circuit switching in order tooptimize the power harness of the electric field differentials and thepowering of the electrical load. A preferred such algorithm results inthe controller selecting and configuring the switches to establish anelectric circuit that best matches voltage and current specifications ofan electrical load of the electric circuit to be powered.

Broadly speaking, such specifications may be preprogrammed for access bythe controller or communicated to and stored by the controller fromtime-to-time as the object to be powered changes. In some embodiments,the controller determines the power requirements based on detection ofan identification of the object to be powered, and in some otherembodiments determines the power requirements based on a connection portor outlet to which the object is electrically connected for beingpowered. One or more sensors also preferably are included for detectingvoltages of the electrodes, whereby the controller may determineappropriate electrodes for establishing an electric circuit for poweringa particular object.

The switches can be configured by the controller such that a subset oftwo or more electrodes of the set of electrodes are joined in parallelsuch that all have a common voltage, which subset is connected throughthe terminals to another subset of one or more of the electrodes. Anexample of this would be where switches 400,402,404,406,412 are closedto join in parallel electrodes 274,280, and similarly switches414,416,418,420,428,392,394,396,382,390 are closed to join in parallelelectrodes 288,290,302, while opening all of the other switchesillustrated in FIG. 38 and electrically separating electrodes 274,280joined in parallel from electrodes 288,290,302 joined in parallel.Voltage differentials between the subset of electrodes 274,280 and thesubset of electrodes 288,290,302 thus can be used to power an electricalload connected to the terminals.

Further, it should be appreciated that the electrodes of a subset neednot be in a common or parallel orientation; and that the subsets ofelectrodes need not be in a common or parallel orientation. Moreover, itshould be appreciated that an increase in spacing between electricallyseparated electrodes also does not necessarily result in a greatervoltage differential between the electrodes. This is because, asindicated in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the electric fields at any particular pointwithin the vicinity of powerlines represent the combined electric fieldsof each powerline of the arrangement of powerlines; when threepowerlines form part of the arrangement, the electric field strengthvaries greatly and not necessarily based on separation of or orientationof the electrodes. Hence, the capability of the controller to identifythe voltages of the electrodes and establish circuits by including, viathe switches, those electrodes having suitable voltages resulting indesired voltage differentials and currents enables the EFA generator tobetter harvest power from the electrical fields of the powerlines.

This ability is advantageous whether the EFA generator is moving througha vicinity of powerlines or is stationary within the vicinity ofpowerlines. In the former scenario, establishing different electriccircuits by interconnecting different electrodes can yield a desiredvoltage and/or current for powering the same object, whereas in thesecond scenario various objects having different voltage and/or currentrequirements each can individually be accommodated by establishingdifferent electric circuits by interconnecting different electrodes.

Moreover, application of this algorithm preferably is repeatedly doneover regular intervals, including intervals less than one second, wherethe EFA generator moves through electric fields or otherwise experiencesvarying electric field strengths at the electrodes with resultingvarying voltage differentials. This results in varying voltages overtime relative to a constant reference voltage and is represented in FIG.38 by v₁(t) at terminal 275 and v₂(t) at terminal 277. When v₁(t) atterminal 275 and v₂(t) at terminal 277 are different and terminals275,277 are connected to a load for powering the load, a current as afunction of time results.

Due to the varying voltages, the current will vary as well, includingreversing in direction so as to result in an alternating current. One ormore rectifiers may form part of the electrical pathway between theterminals 275,277 or may be included in the EFA generator and form partof the illustrated circuit of FIG. 38 for converting an alternatingcurrent to direct current, as desired. Moreover, any such rectifier canbe included as part of a normalizer, which is discussed above.

Furthermore, a plurality of capacitors arranged in series, in parallel,or a combination thereof may form part of the electrical pathway betweenthe terminals 275,277 or may be included in the EFA generator and formpart of the illustrated circuit of FIG. 38 for altering the voltage andcurrent characteristics, as desired. Moreover, any such arrangement canbe included as part of a normalizer, discussed above. If such anarrangement of capacitors is included, the arrangement preferably islocated within an area shielded from the external electric fieldsactuating the EFA generator. For example, such arrangement may beincluded in a secondary housing having an interior area that is shieldedfrom the effects of the external electric fields, or within a portion ofthe conduits that similarly is shielded from the effects of the externalelectric fields, or even within an area of the main housing that isshielded from the effects of the external electric fields but which areadoes not include one of the electrodes having the voltage arising fromthe external electric fields. The use of one or more such capacitorarrangements is believed to be beneficial, for example, when there is alarge differential in voltage between electrodes of an establishedelectric circuit.

Turning to FIGS. 39-41 , it will be appreciated that arrangements of theelectrodes may form various shapes. Furthermore, it will be appreciatedthat in each arrangement, an area of the plurality of electrodes in atleast one of a plurality of different electric circuits that may beestablished may be less than or equal to a percentage of an area of aset of electrodes in at least one other of the plurality of differentelectric circuits that may be established. The percentage may be 50%,25%, or 10%, for example. The area of a plurality of electrodes iscalculated by adding the individual area of each electrode of thecircuit, which is calculated with reference to the greatest surface areaof the electrode without regard to the thickness or width of theelectrode.

As seen in FIG. 39 , wherein electrodes are identified by the letter“e”, the arrangement of electrodes forms a cube having the appearance ofa “Rubik's” cube, with the electrodes being located on the outer surfaceof the cube and electrically insulated from one another. As seen in FIG.39 , nine electrodes form a side of the cube. Additionally, theelectrodes are electrically insulated from one another by insulator “i”which outlines the rectangular profile of the electrodes.

While nine electrodes are seen forming each surface of the cube, othermatrices of electrodes may be used, including 1×1; 2×2; 4×4; 5×5; 6×6;7×7; 8×8; 9×9; and 10×10, for example. In an arrangement in which a10×10 electrode matrix is utilized for each of the six faces, it will beappreciated that, as examples, a first circuit may be established usingall of the electrodes; a second circuit may be established using 50% ofthe electrodes; a third circuit may be established using 25% of theelectrodes; and a fourth circuit may be established using 10% of theelectrodes. In such scenarios the area of the plurality of electrodesforming part of the second electric circuit is 50% of the area of theplurality of electrodes forming part of the first electric circuit; thearea of the plurality of electrodes forming part of the third electriccircuit is 25% of the area of the plurality of electrodes forming partof the first electric circuit; and the area of the plurality ofelectrodes forming part of the fourth electric circuit is 10% of thearea of the plurality of electrodes forming part of the first electriccircuit.

Additionally, electrodes may be arranged in multiple cube arrangementsto form a nested grouping of cubes, wherein each cube is formed by aplurality of electrically insulated electrodes.

FIG. 40 a illustrates yet another example of an arrangement ofelectrodes, wherein six electrodes “e” are located along each of threeorthogonal axes in a “jacks” configuration. Additionally, electrodes maybe arranged along three orthogonal axes to form a nested jacksarrangement, as seen in FIG. 40 b.

FIG. 41 illustrates another example of an arrangement of electrodes (arepresentative one of which is identified by the letter “e”), whereinthe electrodes are located on the outer surface of a sphere so as toresemble a disco ball, with each electrode being located where a minorwould be found in the disco ball. Additionally, the electrodes areelectrically insulated from one another by insulator “i” which outlinesthe quadrilateral-shaped electrodes. Additionally, electrodes may bearranged in multiple sphere arrangements to form a nested grouping ofspheres, wherein each sphere is formed by a plurality of electricallyinsulated electrodes.

It further will be appreciated that within such arrangements asrepresented by FIGS. 39-41 , the controller, switches, sensors, andelectrical pathways preferably are contained within an interior of thearrangement of the electrodes, and electrical pathways for the terminalsextend from an interior to an exterior of the arrangements, asschematically represented in these figures by the terminals respectivelyhaving voltages v₁(t) and v₂(t).

Returning back now to the specific context of UAVs in discussingimplementations having one or more aspects and features of theinvention, UAVs that are box-like in shape—or at least having a mainhousing that is box-like in shape—have been described; however, it iscontemplated that UAVs may have fixed wings for lift rather than rotorsor may have a combination of one or more rotors and one or more fixedwings. Exemplary fixed-wing aircraft representing additional embodimentsof UAVs in accordance with one or more aspects and features of theinvention are schematically illustrated in FIGS. 42-70 , whereinelectrodes are identified by the letter “e”. Furthermore, it will beappreciated that the schematic illustrations in these figures areintended to show locations of the electrodes, and other elements areomitted for clarity, including the controller, sensor, and switches, andin most cases, landing wheels. Each of FIGS. 42-70 now is specificallydiscussed.

FIG. 42 schematically illustrates a fixed-wing aircraft 502 having eightelectrically separated electrodes indicated by the letter “e”, with fourelectrodes forming a forward box-wing and four electrodes forming asmaller, rear box-wing of the vehicle. In at least some embodiments themain body 503 comprises an interior airtight space that contains heliumor hydrogen; in other embodiments, a vacuum is created and maintainedwithin the interior space of the main body. In other preferredembodiments in which a gas is utilized—such as helium or hydrogen, thegas is heated. Such heating may be accomplished through spark gaps orresistive heaters utilizing voltage differentials and current flowbetween electrodes. Of course, no oxygen is introduced especially whenhydrogen is utilized so as to eliminate risks of potential explosions orfires.

FIG. 43 schematically illustrates a fixed-wing aircraft 504 having fourelectrically separated electrodes indicated by the letter “e”, with twoelectrodes forming a forward annular box-wing and two electrodes forminga smaller, rear annular box-wing of the vehicle. In at least someembodiments the main body 505 comprises an interior airtight space thatcontains helium or hydrogen; in other embodiments, a vacuum is createdand maintained within the interior space of the main body. In otherpreferred embodiments in which a gas is utilized—such as helium orhydrogen, the gas is heated. Such heating may be accomplished throughspark gaps or resistive heaters utilizing voltage differentials andcurrent flow between electrodes. Of course, no oxygen is introducedespecially when hydrogen is utilized so as to eliminate risks ofpotential explosions or fires.

FIG. 44 schematically illustrates a fixed-wing aircraft 506 having aplurality of electrically separated electrodes indicated by the letter“e”, with the plurality of electrodes forming a single cylindrical wing.In at least some embodiments the main body 507 comprises an interiorairtight space that contains helium or hydrogen; in other embodiments, avacuum is created and maintained within the interior space of the mainbody. In other preferred embodiments in which a gas is utilized—such ashelium or hydrogen, the gas is heated. Such heating may be accomplishedthrough spark gaps or resistive heaters utilizing voltage differentialsand current flow between electrodes. Of course, no oxygen is introducedespecially when hydrogen is utilized so as to eliminate risks ofpotential explosions or fires.

FIG. 45 schematically illustrates a fixed-wing aircraft 508 having aplurality of electrically separated electrodes indicated by the letter“e”, with the plurality of electrodes forming a joined wing and eachseparated from immediately adjacent electrodes by an insulator. In atleast some embodiments the main body 509 comprises an interior airtightspace that contains helium or hydrogen; in other embodiments, a vacuumis created and maintained within the interior space of the main body.

FIG. 46 schematically illustrates a fixed-wing aircraft 510 having aplurality of electrically separated electrodes indicated by the letter“e”, with the plurality of electrodes forming a flat annular wing. In atleast some embodiments the main body 511 comprises an interior airtightspace that contains helium or hydrogen; in other embodiments, a vacuumis created and maintained within the interior space of the main body. Inother preferred embodiments in which a gas is utilized—such as helium orhydrogen, the gas is heated. Such heating may be accomplished throughspark gaps or resistive heaters utilizing voltage differentials andcurrent flow between electrodes. Of course, no oxygen is introducedespecially when hydrogen is utilized so as to eliminate risks ofpotential explosions or fires.

FIG. 47 schematically illustrates a fixed-wing aircraft 512 having aplurality of electrically separated electrodes indicated by the letter“e”, with the plurality of electrodes forming a rhombodial wing. In atleast some embodiments the main body 513 comprises an interior airtightspace that contains helium or hydrogen; in other embodiments, a vacuumis created and maintained within the interior space of the main body. Inother preferred embodiments in which a gas is utilized—such as helium orhydrogen, the gas is heated. Such heating may be accomplished throughspark gaps or resistive heaters utilizing voltage differentials andcurrent flow between electrodes. Of course, no oxygen is introducedespecially when hydrogen is utilized so as to eliminate risks ofpotential explosions or fires.

FIG. 48 schematically illustrates a fixed-wing aircraft 514 having twoelectrically separated electrodes indicated by the letter “e”, with oneelectrode forming a forward annual box-wing and another electrodeforming a smaller, rear annular box-wing of the vehicle. In at leastsome embodiments the main body 515 comprises an interior airtight spacethat contains helium or hydrogen; in other embodiments, a vacuum iscreated and maintained within the interior space of the main body. Inother preferred embodiments in which a gas is utilized—such as helium orhydrogen, the gas is heated. Such heating may be accomplished throughspark gaps or resistive heaters utilizing voltage differentials andcurrent flow between electrodes. Of course, no oxygen is introducedespecially when hydrogen is utilized so as to eliminate risks ofpotential explosions or fires.

FIG. 49 schematically illustrates a fixed-wing aircraft 516 in the formof a triplane, wherein each of the three wings comprises a respectiveelectrode indicated by the letter “e”. Insofar as there are threeelectrically separated electrodes, in at least some embodiments thecombination of electric circuits that can be established are mutuallyexclusive and, as seen here, may comprise three possible combinations,i.e., (1) a top wing-middle wing combination; (2) a top wing-bottom wingcombination; and (3) a middle wing-bottom wing combination.Alternatively, if electrodes are joined in parallel, then the possiblecombinations further comprise: (1) a top wing plus middle wing-bottomwing combination; (2) a top wing plus bottom wing-middle wingcombination; and (3) a middle wing plus bottom wing-top wingcombination.

FIG. 50 schematically illustrates a fixed-wing aircraft 518 in the formof a quadruplane, wherein each of the wings comprises a respectiveelectrically separated electrode indicated by the letter “e”.

FIG. 51 schematically illustrates a fixed-wing aircraft 520 in the formof a multiplane having eight wings, wherein each of the eight wingscomprises a respective electrically separated electrode indicated by theletter “e”.

FIG. 52 schematically illustrates a fixed-wing aircraft 522 in the formof a biplane, wherein each of the two wings comprises a respectiveelectrically separated electrode indicated by the letter “e”.

FIG. 53 schematically illustrates a fixed-wing aircraft 524 in the formof an unequal-span biplane, wherein each of the two wings comprises arespective electrically separated electrode indicated by the letter “e”.

FIG. 54 schematically illustrates a fixed-wing aircraft 526 in the formof a sesquiplane, wherein each of the two wings comprises a respectiveelectrically separated electrode indicated by the letter “e”.

FIG. 55 schematically illustrates a fixed-wing aircraft 528 in the formof an inverted sesquiplane, wherein each of the two wings comprises arespective electrically separated electrode indicated by the letter “e”.

FIG. 56 schematically illustrates a fixed-wing aircraft 530 in the formof an unstaggered biplane, wherein each of the two wings, supportsextending therebetween, and tail wings comprises a respectiveelectrically separated electrode indicated by the letter “e”. In atleast some embodiments the main body 531 comprises an interior airtightspace that contains helium or hydrogen; in other embodiments, a vacuumis created and maintained within the interior space of the main body. Inother preferred embodiments in which a gas is utilized—such as helium orhydrogen, the gas is heated. Such heating may be accomplished throughspark gaps or resistive heaters utilizing voltage differentials andcurrent flow between electrodes. Of course, no oxygen is introducedespecially when hydrogen is utilized so as to eliminate risks ofpotential explosions or fires.

FIG. 57 schematically illustrates a fixed-wing aircraft 532 in the formof a forwards stagger biplane, wherein each of the two wings, supportsextending therebetween, and tail wings comprises a respectiveelectrically separated electrode indicated by the letter “e”. In atleast some embodiments the main body 533 comprises an interior airtightspace that contains helium or hydrogen; in other embodiments, a vacuumis created and maintained within the interior space of the main body. Inother preferred embodiments in which a gas is utilized—such as helium orhydrogen, the gas is heated. Such heating may be accomplished throughspark gaps or resistive heaters utilizing voltage differentials andcurrent flow between electrodes. Of course, no oxygen is introducedespecially when hydrogen is utilized so as to eliminate risks ofpotential explosions or fires.

FIG. 58 schematically illustrates a fixed-wing aircraft 534 in the formof a backwards stagger biplane, wherein each of the two wings, supportsextending therebetween, and tail wings comprises a respectiveelectrically separated electrode indicated by the letter “e”. In atleast some embodiments the main body 535 comprises an interior airtightspace that contains helium or hydrogen; in other embodiments, a vacuumis created and maintained within the interior space of the main body. Inother preferred embodiments in which a gas is utilized—such as helium orhydrogen, the gas is heated. Such heating may be accomplished throughspark gaps or resistive heaters utilizing voltage differentials andcurrent flow between electrodes. Of course, no oxygen is introducedespecially when hydrogen is utilized so as to eliminate risks ofpotential explosions or fires.

FIGS. 59-61 schematically illustrate another fixed-wing aircraft 536comprising seven electrically separated electrodes, each indicated bythe letter “e”. In at least some embodiments the main body 537 (FIG. 61) comprises an interior airtight space that contains helium or hydrogen;in other embodiments, a vacuum is created and maintained within theinterior space of the main body. In other preferred embodiments in whicha gas is utilized—such as helium or hydrogen, the gas is heated. Suchheating may be accomplished through spark gaps or resistive heatersutilizing voltage differentials and current flow between electrodes. Ofcourse, no oxygen is introduced especially when hydrogen is utilized soas to eliminate risks of potential explosions or fires.

FIGS. 62-64 schematically illustrate another fixed-wing aircraft 538comprising eight electrically separated electrodes, each indicated bythe letter “e”. In at least some embodiments the main body 539 (FIG. 63) comprises an interior airtight space that contains helium or hydrogen;in other embodiments, a vacuum is created and maintained within theinterior space of the main body. In other preferred embodiments in whicha gas is utilized—such as helium or hydrogen, the gas is heated. Suchheating may be accomplished through spark gaps or resistive heatersutilizing voltage differentials and current flow between electrodes. Ofcourse, no oxygen is introduced especially when hydrogen is utilized soas to eliminate risks of potential explosions or fires.

FIGS. 65-67 schematically illustrate another fixed-wing aircraft 540comprising six electrically separated electrodes, each indicated by theletter “e”. In at least some embodiments the main body 541 (FIG. 65 )comprises an interior airtight space that contains helium or hydrogen;in other embodiments, a vacuum is created and maintained within theinterior space of the main body. In other preferred embodiments in whicha gas is utilized—such as helium or hydrogen, the gas is heated. Suchheating may be accomplished through spark gaps or resistive heatersutilizing voltage differentials and current flow between electrodes. Ofcourse, no oxygen is introduced especially when hydrogen is utilized soas to eliminate risks of potential explosions or fires.

FIGS. 68-70 schematically illustrate another fixed-wing aircraft 542comprising six electrically separated electrodes, each indicated by theletter “e”. In at least some embodiments the wings 543,545 (FIG. 68 )each comprises an interior airtight space that contains helium orhydrogen; in other embodiments, a vacuum is created and maintainedwithin these interior spaces. In other preferred embodiments in which agas is utilized—such as helium or hydrogen, the gas is heated. Suchheating may be accomplished through spark gaps or resistive heatersutilizing voltage differentials and current flow between electrodes. Ofcourse, no oxygen is introduced especially when hydrogen is utilized soas to eliminate risks of potential explosions or fires.

FIGS. 71-74 illustrate another rotorcraft 544 comprising two rotorsassemblies 546,548 located at opposite ends of the rotorcraft, with acamera 550 located on an intermediate housing 552 spaced equidistant tothe two rotor assemblies. Preferably, rotor assembly 546 comprises a topelectrode 558 comprising an annular shape and a bottom electrode 560comprising a generally hemispherical shape; and rotor assembly 548comprises a top electrode 562 comprising an annular shape and a bottomelectrode 564 comprising a generally hemispherical shape.

As schematically illustrated in FIG. 73 , each of the rotor assembliesis rotationally connected by a respective frame 554,556 that rotatesabout the intermediate housing 552. This enables the rotorcraft tooperate with the rotor assemblies located 180 degrees from each other atany desired orientation about the intermediate housing 552. For example,the rotor assemblies are seen in a generally vertical position in eachof FIGS. 71, 72, and 73 , and in a generally horizontal position in FIG.74 . Advantageously, such flexibility in orientation during operationpermits the rotor assemblies—and specifically electrodes thereof—to bepositioned within varying electric field strengths within the vicinityof powerlines so as to create a desired voltage differential.

Another context of use of the invention comprises charging (orrecharging) of devices. In this context, FIG. 75 illustrates a chargingstation 570 utilizing an EFA generator for charging of a UAV 572 withina vicinity of powerlines. The charging station 570 is mounted to asupport structure of the powerlines, which is in the form of a tower574. The mounting is accomplished with one or more brackets 576.

The charging station 570 comprises an interface for electric couplingwith the UAV for charging of a rechargeable battery of the UAV. Theinterface schematically illustrated in FIG. 75 comprises a landingplatform for a UAV that is formed by two electrically insulatedconducting plates preferably in the form of metallic plates 578,580 thatserve as electric terminals upon which the UAV 572 lands. A landing bythe UAV 572 is illustrated collectively by FIGS. 75-77 . In thisscenario, the feet 582,584 of the UAV 572 each preferably includes anelectric terminal for electrically coupling with the metallic plates578,580, and the UAV 572 lands such that each of the feet 582,584contacts only a respective one of the metallic plates 578,580.

The charging station 570 further comprise an EFA generator 590 forpowering the UAV 572 through the interface. While the EFA generator isseen in side plan view in FIGS. 75-78 , a front view of just the EFAgenerator 590 is seen in FIG. 79 . The EFA generator comprises first andsecond housings 586,588 and a set of electrodes contained therein. Afirst subset of the set comprises one or more electrodes and iscontained within the first housing 586, and a second subset of the setcomprises one or more electrodes and is contained within the secondhousing 588. The first housing 586 is mounted an at elevation above thefirst housing with a first column 592 and a second column 594 extendingbetween the first and second housings 586,588. The columns preferablyserve as conduits for containing electrical wiring and electricalcomponents of the EFA generator. Additionally, the first and secondhousings and the first and second columns define an opening 596 throughthe EFA generator 590 for allowing wind to pass therethrough.

The first subset of electrodes and the second subset of electrodes areelectrically insulated from one another for enabling a differential involtage therebetween resulting from a differential in electric fieldstrength experienced there at in the vicinity of the powerlines. Thefirst subset is electrically connected with the first metallic plate 578and the second subset is electrically connected with the second metallicplate 580 through electrical components (omitted for clarity) such thatan electric circuit is completed when the feet of a UAV are supported onthe metallic plates 578,580, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 78 .

In particular, electrical components of the EFA generator areelectrically connected with the first and second subsets of one or moreelectrodes and are configured to establish a circuit therewith forcharging of a rechargeable battery of the UAV when electronicallycoupled through the interface. Voltage differentials between the firstand second sets cause electric current flows through the electriccircuit for charging the battery of the UAV.

It will be appreciated that the current and voltage may be normalizedwithin the EFA generator, within the UAV, or at a location of thecharging station between the EFA generator and the UAV. Normalization asused herein is intended to mean converted, reduced, filtered, orotherwise put into a form for consumption by the object being powered.Such normalization may comprise utilization of one or more of:conventional technologies for converting alternating current to directcurrent; conventional technologies for providing from a varying voltagesource a range of voltage, a minimum voltage, or a maximum voltage; andconventional technologies for providing from a varying current source arange of voltage, a minimum voltage, or a maximum current voltage. Anormalizer preferably is included, an example of which component isdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 .

In some embodiments, the EFA generator further comprises a controllerand sensors such as voltage detectors for causing different circuits tobe established, by which different voltage and current specifications ofUAVs may be met. Additionally, the EFA generator includes components foridentifying the voltage and current specification to be met, whichcomponents may comprise for example: a transceiver for wirelesslycommunicating with a UAV, whereby an identification of the UAV isreceived for lookup of the voltage and electric current specification,or whereby the voltage and electric current specification is receiveddirectly from the UAV; and a camera and/or microphone whereby the UAV isidentified by analysis of audio or visual data that is acquired from thecamera or microphone.

In other embodiments, the charging platforms comprises a plurality ofinterfaces in the form of outlets, and the act of a UAV plugging intoone of the plurality of outlets indicates the voltage and powerspecification to be provided, with each interface having a particularvoltage and power specification. Moreover, each interface may have aphysical port configuration corresponding to a particular voltage andpower specification. It further is contemplated that a particularvoltage and power specification may identify a specific voltage andcurrent, or may specify a range of voltage, a range of current, orranges of voltage and current. Additionally, it is contemplated that aUAV may plug into one of the plurality of outlets either when landed orwhile hovering.

Additional charging stations 602,604 are similar to that of FIGS. 75-79and are illustrated in FIG. 80 as being mounted to the exemplarypowerline transmission tower 100 of FIG. 1 . Another charging station606 is shown being mounted to a top of the tower 100. This othercharging station 606 is similar, but different in certain respects fromcharging stations 570,602,604.

In particular, the EFA generator of charging station 606 comprises a setof one or more electrodes contained within the main housing 608, whichhousing is seen located under the metallic plates 610,612 of the landingplatform. If a plurality of electrodes is included in the set, then theplurality of electrodes preferably is configurable such that two or moreof the electrodes are electrically connected so that a voltagedifferential is not maintained between them, thereby joining andfunctioning as a larger electrode. The set is connected to one of themetallic plates—for example plate 610—of the landing platform, andunlike the other charging stations described above, the second metallicplate 612 is connected to a ground of the tower 100. In such scenario,the EFA generator preferably includes electrical components arranged tohandle significantly large voltage differentials.

In variations of the charging stations 570,602,604, one of the subsetsof electrodes can be grounded by electrical connection to the ground ofthe tower, thereby functioning in manner similar to charging station 606when the electrical pathway to ground is configured as part of theestablished circuit.

The above-disclosed charging stations are illustrated being used withthe exemplary powerline transmission tower 100 a of FIG. 2 in FIG. 81 ;and are illustrated as being used with the exemplary transmission tower100 b of FIG. 3 in FIG. 82 . In particular, charging station 614 of FIG.81 is like charging station 606 of FIG. 80 ; charging station 616 ofFIG. 81 is like charging station 590 except that the EFA generator 618is oriented downwardly rather than upwardly; and each of chargingstations 620,622,624 of FIG. 82 is like charging station 606 of FIG. 80.

It will be appreciated that by utilizing an electrical pathway toground, as done in charging stations 606,614,620,622,624, an EFAgenerator will be able to realize greater voltage differentials betweenground and electrodes of the EFA generator. FIGS. 83-86 schematicallyillustrate a UAV 634 having an EFA generator that likewise utilizes apathway to ground by utilizing an electrical pathway of the UAV to ashield wire typically found with powerlines. The electrical pathway toground (i.e., to the shield wire) comprises a forked line 626 that isconnected at one end to the main housing of the UAV and that includes afork defined by two sublines 628,630 at the other end thereof. While theline 626 preferably is electrically insulated, the sublines 628,630 ofthe fork preferably comprise exposed conductors for physical engagementwith the shield wire 632. The UAV navigates to lower the fork onto theshield wire for continued engagement therewith, and then proceeds totravel long the shield wire. During engagement with the shield wire, theUAV is powered by and represents an electrical load of an establishedcircuit that includes electrodes of the EFA generator and the shieldwire. Alternatively, or additionally, a rechargeable power source ischarged during engagement with the shield wire. Both before and afterengagement with the shield wire, the UAV is powered by a rechargeablepower source or the UAV is powered by the EFA generator based on voltagedifferentials arising from the varying electric field strengths.

It further will be appreciated that EFA generators may be mounted totowers of powerlines and utilized in applications other than chargingstations. Moreover, the EFA generators preferably include electricalpathways to ground, which ground is provided by the towers. Such EFAgenerators may thus take the form of “power strips” for use in poweringobjects that are configured to couple therewith. Such power strips—eachincluding an EFA generator with one or more interfaces—are schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 87 and include power strips636,638,640,642,644,646,648,650. In other embodiments, no pathway toground may be provided and such power strips preferably are longer so asto be able to select a wider variety of voltage differentials; powerstrips 652,654 are exemplary of such power strips, in which no pathwayto ground is utilized. These power strips 652,654 preferably includecircuit switching, discussed above with regard to FIG. 38 . Furthermore,when utilizing power strips 652,654, no electrical connection to theground of the tower 100 is required; power strips 652,654 may simply bemounted to the frame of the tower. Such mounting may be by straps oreven zip ties.

The power strips are illustrated as mounted to exemplary tower 100 inFIG. 87 . Use of such power strips further is illustrated with tower 100a in FIG. 88 and with tower 100 b in FIG. 89 . In FIG. 88 , power strip656 is like power strip 642 in FIG. 87 , and power strips 658,660 arelike power strips 652,654 in FIG. 87 . In FIG. 89 , power strips 662,664each is like power strips 636,638,640,642,644,646,648,650 in FIG. 87 andpower strip 656 in FIG. 88 ; and power strips 668,670,672,674,678,680 inFIG. 89 each is like power strips 652,654 in FIG. 87 and power strips658,660 in FIG. 88 .

It further will be appreciated that an EFA generator may be integratedinto an object to be powered such that an external interface is omitted,and that the object with integrated EFA generator may be mounted to asupport tower of powerlines. Such apparatus may include, for example,one or more sensors and a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting dataacquired from the one or more sensors. Such sensors may comprise, forexample, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a barometer, a light sensor, acompass, a microphone, an inclinometer, a magnetometer, and a camera.The transmitter may form part of a transceiver, such that wirelesscommunications may be sent to and received from the apparatus. It isfurther contemplated that messages may be communicated along powerlinesby communicating between such apparatus when mounted to towers along thepowerlines, thereby hopping the message over long distances.

In one such apparatus, one or more sensors such as those found in aniPhone are included. Such sensors may be arranged to detect an abnormalposition in a normal range of movement of a tower as well as an abnormalrate of such change. In some commercial embodiments currentlycontemplated, such apparatus include an iPhone for not only detectingone or more such abnormal changes, but for also communicating suchdetection, whether via email or text message, and whether over cellular,Bluetooth, or WiFi communications. Such sensors may comprise, forexample, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and one or more cameras. OutdatediPhones no longer desired or used for their intended purposes may beutilized in such implementations.

FIGS. 90-92 respectively illustrate the various exemplary towers 100,100a,100 b with apparatus mounted thereon for measuring positional datarelating to the towers and, preferably, for measuring positional datarelating to powerline suspension insulators.

It will be appreciated that, when mounted on the towers, such apparatusare sensitive to movements, motion, position, direction, inclination,acceleration, and rotation caused by structural changes in the tower,such as fatigue, corrosion, and foundation/footing/caisson changes. Suchchanges may be caused by earth/ground subsidence, movement, flooding,and earthquake-driven motion/movement. Such changes also may be causedby structural and/or mechanical changes produced by physical damage orintentional tampering or sabotage, and in such scenarios the sensors mayform part of a physical grid security and integrity sensing andreporting system. In mounting the sensors, higher up is preferred asopposed to at or near the base. Indeed, it is believed that the higher,the better.

When mounted on a high-voltage suspension insulator, the device issensitive to movement, motion, position, direction, inclination,acceleration, and rotations caused by the above, but alsocaused/produced uniquely by physical transmission conductor temperature,and changes in temperature, and produced by the various effects of wind,and wind loading, on conductors (i.e., wind induced oscillation,blow-out, and Galloping). This has physical grid/infrastructure securityand integrity sensing and reporting applications, value, features, andbenefits. This further allows for accurate, real-time knowledge ofconductor physical characteristics and behavior—which are important totransmission system owners and operators, line design engineers,transmission planners, transmission structural and civil engineers, andto real-rime transmission system operation, optimization, economicefficiency and economic dispatch, system stability, transmissioncapacity, transmission transfer capability, and other high-voltageelectric power transmission system operating parameters and limits.

Furthermore, it is believed that by measuring inclination of ahigh-voltage suspension insulator, tension and thus temperature may bedetermined to a meaningful extent in the powerline to which thesuspension insulator is attached. Mounting of apparatus within sensorsfor measuring positional data regarding suspension insulators isillustrated in FIGS. 90-92 and includes devices 902,904,906 in FIG. 90 ;devices 908,910,912 in FIG. 91 ; and devices 914,916,918,920,922,924 inFIG. 92 .

Based on the foregoing, it will be readily understood by those personsskilled in the art that the invention has broad utility. Embodiments andadaptations of the invention other than those specifically describedherein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalentarrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by theforegoing, without departing from the substance or scope of theinvention. Accordingly, while the invention has been described in detailin relation to one or more preferred embodiments, this disclosure isonly illustrative and exemplary of the invention and is made merely forthe purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of theinvention. This disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit theinvention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations,variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the inventionbeing limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalentsthereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus in which electric power is generatedfor an electrical load from one or more differentials in electric fieldstrength in a vicinity of powerlines, the apparatus comprising: (a) aplurality of separated electrodes; (b) electrical componentselectrically connected with the plurality of electrodes, at least one ormore of the electrical components being configurable to establish eachof a plurality of different electric circuits, each of the differentelectric circuits comprising a set of two or more mutually exclusivesubsets of the plurality of electrodes, the electrodes in each subsetthat have more than one electrode being electrically connected with eachother for avoiding a voltage differential therebetween, and the one ormore electrodes of each subset being electrically insulated from eachelectrode of any other subset of the set for enabling one or morevoltage differentials between the subsets of the set resulting from adifferential in electric field strength experienced when the apparatusis within the vicinity of the powerlines, wherein the subsets of the setare interconnected such that the one or more voltage differentialsbetween the subsets causes a current to flow through the electriccircuit of the set for powering the electrical load; and (c) a controlassembly comprising (i) one or more voltage-detector componentsconfigured to detect voltage differentials of the sets; and (ii) aprocessor enabled to process the detected voltage differentials and,based thereon and based on voltage and electric current specificationsfor powering the electrical load, configure one or more of theelectrical components in order to establish one of the plurality ofdifferent electric circuits for powering the electrical load; (d)wherein a first pair of electrodes is located along a first axis, asecond pair of electrodes is located along a second axis orthogonal tothe first axis, and a third pair of electrodes is located along a thirdaxis orthogonal to each of the first axis and the second axis, andwherein the first, second, and third axes intersect at an origin point.2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes islocated in a block arrangement with the plurality defining walls of oneor more blocks, and wherein the plurality of electrodes is located in anarrangement of nested blocks.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein thecontrol assembly is located within the innermost block.
 4. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes is located in a blockarrangement with the plurality defining walls of one or more blocks, andwherein the electrodes are encased in a nonmetallic material.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes is located ina block arrangement with the plurality defining walls of one or moreblocks, and wherein the electrodes are encased in a nonconductingpolymer material.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofelectrodes is located in a block arrangement with the plurality definingwalls of one or more blocks, and wherein the electrodes are encased in anonconducting plastic material.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein theelectrodes are encased in a nonconducting thermoplastic material.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein the electrodes are encased in anonconducting thermosetting material.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the plurality of electrodes is located in a block arrangementwith the plurality defining walls of one or more blocks, and wherein theelectrodes each comprises a planar rectangular surface.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes is located ina block arrangement with the plurality defining walls of one or moreblocks, and wherein the electrodes define inner surfaces of the block.11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes islocated in a block arrangement with the plurality defining walls of oneor more blocks, and wherein the electrodes define outer surfaces of theblock.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodesis located in a spherical arrangement with the plurality defining wallsof one or more spheres, and wherein the plurality of electrodes islocated in an arrangement of concentric spheres.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein the control assembly is located within the innermostsphere.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the origin pointrepresents a midpoint between the electrodes of the first pair; whereinthe origin point represents a midpoint between the electrodes of thesecond pair; and wherein the origin point represents a midpoint betweenthe electrodes of the third pair.
 15. An apparatus in which electricpower is generated for an electrical load from one or more differentialsin electric field strength in a vicinity of powerlines, the apparatuscomprising: (a) a plurality of separated electrodes; (b) electricalcomponents electrically connected with the plurality of electrodes, atleast one or more of the electrical components being configurable toestablish each of a plurality of different electric circuits, each ofthe different electric circuits comprising a set of two or more mutuallyexclusive subsets of the plurality of electrodes, the electrodes in eachsubset that have more than one electrode being electrically connectedwith each other for avoiding a voltage differential therebetween, andthe one or more electrodes of each subset being electrically insulatedfrom each electrode of any other subset of the set for enabling one ormore voltage differentials between the subsets of the set resulting froma differential in electric field strength experienced when the apparatusis within the vicinity of the powerlines, wherein the subsets of the setare interconnected such that the one or more voltage differentialsbetween the subsets causes a current to flow through the electriccircuit of the set for powering the electrical load; and (c) a controlassembly comprising (i) one or more voltage-detector componentsconfigured to detect voltage differentials of the sets; and (ii) aprocessor enabled to process the detected voltage differentials and,based thereon and based on voltage and electric current specificationsfor powering the electrical load, configure one or more of theelectrical components in order to establish one of the plurality ofdifferent electric circuits for powering the electrical load; (d)wherein a first pair of electrodes is located along a first axis, asecond pair of electrodes is located along a second axis orthogonal tothe first axis, and a third pair of electrodes is located along a thirdaxis orthogonal to each of the first axis and the second axis; (e)wherein the electrodes of the first pair are located a first distanceapart; (f) wherein the electrodes of the second pair are located asecond distance apart; (g) wherein the electrodes of the third pair arelocated a third distance apart; and (h) wherein the first, second, andthird distances are equal in length.